ABU DHABI—Ambassador Hjayceelyn M. Quintana welcomed one of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) leaders at the Philippines’s Bangkóta Pavilion inside the World Expo 2020.
The Philippine ambassador on March 18 gave a guided tour to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the UAE’s vice president, prime minister and Dubai ruler. This marks, to date, the highest-level visit from the UAE government at the country’s pavilion in the World Expo.
Quintana extended a warm welcome to Al Maktoum and top members of his cabinet during the visit: “I thanked His Highness for the UAE’s wonderful support to the success and strong presence of the Philippines in the World Expo.”
The Dubai Media office tweeted this about the visit: “His Highness was taken on an immersive trip through the nation’s aquatic wonderlands: an imaginative coral village packed with artistic wonders, which convey a powerful message about safeguarding marine life.”
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Bangkóta pavilion received its 1 millionth visitor the other week—proof of the country’s strong presence throughout the five-month run of the Dubai Expo to date.
The message of “cultural sustainability” espoused by the pavilion was excellently received by visitors. The Philippines also hosted a number of major activities that showcased Filipino culture, talent, and the government’s thrusts, which created a new appreciation of the country and its people in the expo’s global stage.
Among these were the “Paskong Pinoy sa World Expo” on December 3, 2021; the Philippine National Day ceremony on February 11 which was capped by the “Daluyong ng Diwa” Gala Night Performance; and a host of activities at the Bangkóta which showcased the country as the center of world biodiversity; one pursuing space, artificial intelligence and advanced technology cooperation; an exponent of cultural sustainability; and an excellent destination for investment and tourism.
Image credits: Abu Dhabi PE/DFA