France and Austria confirmed yesterday their support for the decision to postpone the "Expo 2020 Dubai" exhibition for a period of one year, after this delay was officially announced, and the International Exhibitions Bureau will ratify it on May 29.
The Commissioner-General of the French Pavilion participating in the "Expo 2020 Dubai" and President of the French Company for Exhibitions "Coffrex", Eric Lanke, said that the postponement of the exhibition to be held from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, is an opportunity for France to reformulate its pavilion to fit in a way Larger with current global challenges of finding innovative mobility solutions that are environmentally friendly and user friendly.
Lanque considered that the decision to postpone a rational and responsible step during these critical times, noting that the decision, which had the support of France alongside two-thirds of the members of the International Exhibitions Bureau, aims to ensure that the millions of visitors expected to this event enjoy the best conditions.
He added: "We note this responsible decision, as it is most appropriate in light of this current global health crisis, and confirms the collective desire to preserve the safety and health of all, and through the (COFRIXs) procedures, and with the support of our partners, the participation of France will be more effective." He continued: «This additional year will give us the opportunity to focus more and more on the programs and experiences, which we wish to provide to visitors to the French pavilion at the exhibition».
For its part, Austria stressed that it views the postponement of the "Dubai Expo" as the correct response to the challenges currently facing the world, which puts the health and safety of many people in many countries at risk.
"To organize a successful global event requires stability, freedom of movement and safety, which are elements that the world currently lacks, given the spread of the new (Corona) virus," said Beatrix Karl, Commissioner General of the Austrian Pavilion at the exhibition.
She added: "We view the decision to postpone (the Dubai Expo) for a year, as a response that shows the concerted global efforts and cooperation, to face the unstable situation and the risks facing everyone at the present time."