H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and His H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, today joined senior dignitaries of nations from around the world at the second International Participants Meeting, IPM, of Expo 2020 Dubai.

More than 150 countries have now confirmed, either publicly or privately, that they will take part in the next World Expo and Their Highnesses Sheikh Abdullah and Sheikh Hamdan heard that organisers are well on track to meet the target of at least 180 national participants. Fifteen countries, including Austria, the United States, Malaysia and Mexico, publicly announced their participation at the meeting.

The IPM is organised with the help of the Bureau International des Expositions, BIE, the governing body for World Expos. It is held at regular intervals to update BIE member nations and other countries on progress and plans for Expo 2020 Dubai, as well as the benefits of participating. The inaugural meeting was held in 2016. Those attending include ambassadors, representatives of Expo 2020 Dubai partners, country delegates, government officials, Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee members, officials from the BIE and business leaders.

Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Abdullah, as well as members of the supreme committee organising the event, guests and participants, and Dimitri Kerkentzes, Deputy Secretary-General of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions, BIE, listened to a speech by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of the Expo 2020 Dubai Office, who welcomed the participants and explained the steps that were accomplished in completing the infrastructure of the expo’s headquarters, and the technical issues that must be monitored and implemented by the UAE and participating countries. She also explained the requirements of the BIE and the relevant arrangements that must be closely followed, to guarantee the success of the event while providing comfort and facilitating logistics to all participating countries.

In her speech, Al Hashemi reiterated that the UAE, through the directives of its wise leadership, wishes to provide the necessary infrastructure, services and hospitality, to ensure the comfort of the representatives of participating countries during this major international event, as well as their security and happiness.

Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Abdullah praised the dedicated efforts of the Director of the Expo 2020 Dubai Office, the members of the supreme committee and all relevant national authorities in making the necessary arrangements to ensure the success of the international event, in terms of culture, tourism and business.

The eyes of millions of people will be set on this event, as well as the eyes of the UAE people, who are waiting to take part in this international gathering on the soil of our beloved UAE, which will reflect the civilisation and culture of our people and the generosity and hospitality of the Arab society, and the desire of our wise leadership for our country to portray a sophisticated and civilised image, which is fit for its international reputation and stature, they said in conclusion.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee; President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Chairman, Dubai Airports; Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: "We are honoured by the presence of Their Highnesses today. I would like to thank them for their attendance at the IPM and continuous support.

"Expo 2020 Dubai is an important step in the development process of the UAE. It is the embodiment of the cultural, social and urban progress that has been achieved under the leadership of the Rulers of the UAE since the establishment of the Union.

"Our aim is to work with all countries, institutions and companies to serve the citizens, residents and visitors of our nation, which is proud of being tolerant and open to all cultures."

The agenda at this year’s IPM included updates on site delivery and legacy plans; the ways in which Expo 2020 will support the participant journey, including country pavilion design and delivery; details of marketing and communications plans; and panel sessions involving participant nations and some of Expo’s Premier Partners.

Source: Wam