DUBAI– Costa Rica marked its Expo 2020 Dubai National Day on Tuesday with a visit from the President of Costa Rica, His Excellency Carlos Alvarado Quesada. A cultural show representing the nation’s regions and ethnic groups was given by the folkloric company, Curubandá, featuring performers in colourful traditional costumes.
His Excellency Carlos Alvarado Quesada, President of Costa Rica, was welcomed by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
His Excellency President Carlos Alvarado Quesada, said: “‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, that inspirational and powerful motif has conveyed us together with the other 191 nations to this great event, the first Universal Exposition ever organised in the Middle East… an event that has acquired even more relevance because it is taking place in a critical moment for humanity and our planet: the COVID-19 pandemic that is strongly affecting our lives and economies; and the global challenge posed by climate change to the future of our children and future generations. Both require all nations of the world to come together to find solutions and swiftly act without hesitation. Expo 2020 gives us a unique opportunity to do that.”
HE Sheikh Nahayan said: “As a country of significant vision and ambition, Costa Rica highlights to our visitors how it has invested in its people to build an open, tolerant, creative and happy society, throughout its pavilion exhibition, and sheds light on the ample opportunities and attractions the country has to offer in high-value ecotourism, agribusiness, smart business and the export of high quality products and services.”
“Given that Costa Rica is a leader in the sustainability field, having recently adopted a plan to achieve a net zero emissions economy by 2050, we look forward to making the most of its presence at Expo 2020, in order for us to explore opportunities for further collaboration in this and other areas of common interest, with the aim of supporting one another in achieving our national priorities.”
During a news conference later, President Alvarado Quesada highlighted food security, logistics and sustainability as the key pillars of the bilateral partnerships between Costa Rica and the UAE.
President Alvarado Quesada said Costa Rica is the Central American country that shares the closest and most important relationship with this region: “We are a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives; we share common values and we share sustainability and innovation goals. Costa Rica finds a fine partner in the UAE for business, multilateral action and trade.”
Located in the Mobility District, the Costa Rica Pavilion highlights the country’s achievements in renewable energy, reforestation, ecotourism and sustainable agriculture. Visitors can learn about the ‘Pura Vida’ (Pure Life) lifestyle that is part of Costa Ricans’ DNA, and find out about the history of a country that has become a global sustainable development leader. Immersive displays reveal how the country has managed to source 99 per cent of its electricity through clean energy and how it reversed deforestation.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo’s 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their cultures and achievements, and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 is inviting visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.
