Dubai, 17 March 2022 (TDI): Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, met with the Presidents of Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius in their respective pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Bin Rashid said that the UAE is eager to strengthen connections with African states and expand bilateral collaboration in order to achieve mutual interests. Further, he applauded the continuing development efforts in African states, as well as multiple parameters aimed at increasing opportunities for people. He praised the massive infrastructure projects in African nations and stated that the UAE strongly believes in encouraging partnerships and information exchange to strengthen development efforts.
Meeting with the President of the Republic of Botswana:
At the pavilion of Botswana, President of the Republic of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi discussed bilateral relations and means of promoting them, especially in the fields of investment and commerce. The Ruler of Dubai and the President of Botswana visited the Mobility District pavilion and discussed the investment potential that Botswana is presenting, as well as the environmental and cultural diversity that Botswana’s pavilion was showcasing.
Meeting with the President of Zimbabwe:
Bin Rashid also met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at Zimbabwe’s pavilion and discussed the mutual bilateral relations. President of Zimbabwe said that the UAE serves as a gateway to markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
The meeting also included a discussion on the ways to boost trade exchange and enable the private sectors of both countries to explore new investment opportunities, building on the strong economic ties between the two nations. The United Arab Emirates is the second-largest trading partner of Zimbabwe.
Both presidents also discussed the mutual collaboration to seek out new investment prospects in the fields of agriculture, mining, energy, and the pharmaceutical industry. All these fields are the key sectors in which Zimbabwe wants to grow.
Bin Rashid and Mnangagwa also visited the Zimbabwe pavilion, where they were briefed about the country’s culture, people, heritage, and land, as well as its insight of integrating technology to improve people’s livelihood.
Meeting with the President of Mauritius:
At the Mauritius pavilion, Bin Rashid and Mauritius President Prithvirajsing Roopun met and discussed the ways to expand bilateral relations and seek new possibilities to develop cooperation in various fields to meet the aims of both nations in numerous sectors, especially tourism.
The two leaders also visited the Mauritius pavilion, which was highlighting the island’s pristine natural beauty, distinct biodiversity, rich culture and heritage, and fascinating business and investment opportunities.
Other activities:
Bin Rashid also met with the top US-based social media company’s Co-Founder and CEO of Snap Inc namely Evan Spiegel, that owns the popular messaging app Snapchat.
The ruler of Dubai also visited the pavilions of Rwanda and Kenya during his visit. Rwandan pavilion has been organized under the theme ‘Remarkable Rwanda’, in the Opportunity District of Expo 2020 Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed has been briefed about Rwanda’s history and incredible 27-year development journey, as well as the country’s Vision of 2050.
The pavilion was featuring the traditional cultural entertainment and dance, virtual reality tours, an experience of Rwanda’s new technologies, and the opportunity to taste Rwanda’s best coffee and tea.
The Kenyan pavilion was themed by ‘Feel the Energy’, located within the Opportunity District. Bin Rashid has been briefed about Kenya’s agricultural, economic and innovation potential, as well as its various key sectors, hospitality and creativity of the Kenyan people.