She showcased her rich heritage during the celebration of her "National Day"

At the heart of the Dubai Expo, Cuba sings for friendship and love

  • Reem Al-Hashemi and the Cuban Minister during a tour of the pavilion on the sidelines of the National Day celebrations of the Caribbean country.

    Photography: Ahmed Ardeti

  • Rodrigo Diaz: "The presence of 192 pavilions in (Expo Dubai) is a symbol of joint work, which brings the whole world together in the quest for a better future."

  • The "Septito Santiagiro" band, specializing in authentic Cuban rhythms, presented a musical performance in Al Wasl Square.

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The Cuban musical heritage emerged remarkably in the Caribbean island's celebration of its National Day at "Expo 2020 Dubai", yesterday, through a series of artistic and cultural performances, which reflect the rich artistic heritage of this country.

The celebrations began, with flag-raising ceremonies, and the playing of the national anthems of the UAE and Cuba on the platform of nations in Al Wasl Square, the beating heart of Expo 2020 Dubai.

The Minister of State for International Cooperation, Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, Reem Al Hashemi, and Executive Director of the Office of the Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, Najeeb Al-Ali, received Cuban Minister of Trade and Foreign Investments, Rodrigo Malmirca Diaz.

Al-Ali said: "Through its participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, Cuba is displaying its creativity and innovation, as well as its remarkable global vision and achievements, and highlights its rich cultural heritage through performing arts, music, literature, and others."

He added, "The relationship that unites our two countries is constantly flourishing, and we are fully confident that the scope of our cooperation will expand to cover a range of sectors critical to our two countries, such as renewable energy, health, and tourism."

For his part, Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz indicated that the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba was opened in the UAE three years ago, specifically on February 14, 2019, which gave more impetus to strengthening economic, trade and friendship relations between the two countries, adding: “Organizing today’s events in conjunction with The global celebration of the Day of Friendship and Love represents the commitment of our two countries to transforming economic and commercial interests and all relations between them into deeper and longer-lasting ties.”

He stressed that the presence of 200 pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai, including 192 pavilions representing different countries of the world, is a symbol of joint work that brings the whole world together in pursuit of a better future, and the main results presented here, which are the fruit of human intelligence, may contribute to development. present and future of mankind.

After the official speeches were given, the "Septito Santiagiro" band, which specializes in authentic Cuban rhythms, performed at Al Wasl Square.

The band of seven musicians have been nominated for six Grammy Awards and won twice in the traditional folk music category.

Visitors to the Cuba Pavilion can explore more about the economic, social and environmental transformations taking place in that country, by touring the pavilion, which embodies the Caribbean island's vibrant streets.

The Cuba Pavilion is located in the Sustainability District, and visitors can enjoy a drink made of sugar extracted from Cuban sugar cane, enjoy the interactive elements of the pavilion, and take the opportunity to learn the Cha Cha Cha dance.

Thank you Emirates

Cuba’s Minister of Trade and Foreign Investments, Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz, said during the briefing, which was held for the local and international press at the Cuba pavilion: “We have very good relations with the government of the UAE, and we have strong cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, as well as with institutions that have cooperated with our country.” To develop various projects in important areas, such as renewable energy and the promotion of science and technology, and we thank the UAE for its continuous support.”

He added, "In Cuba, we have set development goals until 2030, and our plans include many sectors."