is Excellency Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of Democratic Republic of Congo, led the celebrations for his country’s Expo 2020 Dubai National Day on Tuesday (22 March), which featured a cultural performance paying tribute to the unity of the country around the ideals of freedom, greatness and power.
HE Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo 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 Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan bin Mubarak, UAE Minister of State; HE Sultan Al Shamsi, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Development; and Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director, Expo 2020 Dubai Commissioner General Office.
Supporters of HE President Tshilombo came out in their droves, with the proud Congolese crowd chanting his name as he made his way to the Stage of Nations.
HE President Tshilombo said: “The Democratic Republic of Congo is honoured to participate in Expo 2020 Dubai, and to present its immense human, cultural, natural and economic potential to visitors from all over the world in order for them to discover its heritage on the occasion of this major global event.
“In terms of environmental challenges, the Democratic Republic of Congo, with its tropical forests in the Congo Basin, and its immense freshwater reserves, remains a solution-focused country in the fight against climate change. The Democratic Republic of Congo is also full of the many natural resources needed to expand the global green industry.”
Pledging to clean up the business and investment environment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, HE Tshilombo said: “This improvement in the business climate is also guaranteed by bilateral and multilateral agreements as well as many organisations including the Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa.”
HE Sheikh Nahayan said: “With an exhibition design that embodies the cohesiveness and collective spirit of its society, the Democratic Republic of Congo Pavilion reflects the country’s national priorities across various fields, including youth, innovation, business and the creative sector, and sheds light on the promising potential of the Congo River in relation to renewable energy.
“Our relations with DR Congo have continued to expand over the years across various sectors, and we aim to explore the potential for enhanced collaborations in areas of shared interest, particularly in the industrial, agricultural and renewable energy fields, as we work towards our mutual development and prosperity.”
Following on from the speeches, the audience were treated to a traditional performance combining songs, dances and percussion, with the cast – whose country is made up of 450 tribes – sporting striking tribal face paint.
President Tshilombo then spoke at a media briefing at the Democratic Republic of Congo Pavilion, where he said he was proud to participate in an exhibition which, for the first time in history, has brought together 192 countries.
“We wanted to bring the Democratic Republic of Congo and its people to Dubai, because we know it is a crossroads that connects the East with the West, and for exchanges in culture and the arts, as well as for investment opportunities. Expo 2020 is also an opportunity to address the challenges our planet faces for the survival of humanity,” said HE President Tshilombo.
In the evening, Congolese songwriter, singer and rapper Maître Gims, who has gained worldwide success with hits including Bella and J’me tire, is set to perform at the Jubilee Stage.
The Democratic Republic of Congo Pavilion, located in the Opportunity District, allows visitors to meet the dynamic, creative and innovative Congolese people, immerse themselves in beautiful nature and dance to the rhythm of the Central African nation, while listening to its music. The pavilion’s design was inspired by a termite mound, embodying the collective spirit of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s society.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo 2020 Dubai’s 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai invites 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.