DUBAI, 21 February 2022 – The Oriental Republic of Uruguay celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai today (21 February), with a visit from its head of state and First Lady, and a showcase of the most famous tango in the world.
His Excellency Dr Luis Lacalle Pou, President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, and Her Excellency Lorena Ponce de Leon, First Lady of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, were welcomed by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
HE Dr Pou, in his speech delivered in Spanish, touched on the topic of liberty – something very dear to Uruguay – as well as its commitment to human and animal health, environmental conservation, food security and business ties with the rest of the world.
He said: “In our discussions with the UAE authorities, we have stressed that we need partners, we want investment from the UAE, we want investors who will be stakeholders and participate in market growth. We need partners for our goods. That is the main challenge. As for distance, the UAE and Uruguay have the same distance as the UAE and Australia. So, we are happy to invite UAE investors to Uruguay.”
HE Sheikh Nahayan said: “Uruguay has become a global reference in the fields of clean energy, agro intelligence, technological innovation and digital government development. Through its participation at Expo 2020 Dubai, it is also promoting its position as a country that is at the forefront of sustainability and quality of life in Latin America and the world.
“Our bilateral relations with Uruguay have focused on a diverse number of areas, including investments, science and technology, and renewable energy, and we are keen on using our joint presence at Expo 2020 Dubai to expand on these collaborative efforts.”
The official ceremony included a cultural performance in the form of a collaborative piece between members of the National Ballet, the National Choir, and the Chamber Music Ensemble of SODRE. This consisted of a choreographic, musical and vocal journey through the repertoire of iconic singer, songwriter, composer and actor Carlos Gardel. Dancers joined together on stage, with the voice of a tenor to explore the classical and folkloric choreographies, including contemporary dance and, of course, the tango.
This was just a taster for the evening’s entertainment, where visitors can enjoy a special cultural performance, The Suite Gardel, which pays tribute to 100 years of La Cumparsita, a tango written in 1916 by the Uruguayan musician Gerardo Matos Rodríguez. After its premiere in 2017, it has been performed at UNESCO Headquarters, Teatro Florencio Sánchez, the Book Fair and Heritage Day. The event takes place from 1800-1900 at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre.
Located in Jubilee Park, the Uruguay Pavilion invites visitors to discover an economy that has been liberalised in recent decades, opening up the country to new investment and economic opportunities, while balancing its economic progress with responsible, sustainable development in areas such as tourism.
Since making its debut at World Expo 1862 London, Uruguay has regularly participated in World and Specialised Expos. In order to strengthen its involvement, Uruguay became a member of the BIE in 1983.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of the 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements, and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
Running until 31 March, Expo 2020 has invited 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.