The Holy See marked its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on Saturday with a recognition of its ties to the UAE and a commitment to peace and harmony with all…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai welcomed Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness.
Sheikh Nahyan said, “Through its participation, the Holy See exemplifies the notions of brotherhood, fraternity, and connection as the primary means towards achieving peace in the world. The pavilion provides an enlightening visitor experience that emphasises the importance of inter-religious dialogue, and showcases the values that bring people together, regardless of ethnicity, belief, or nationality.
“The UAE and the Holy See share a common vision in our value of co-existence and fraternity, and our work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. As such, we look forward to engaging in further joint collaborations across various fields of mutual priority, such as education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.”
Cardinal Parolin said, “My presence here is not intended to be a mere fulfilment of the obligation to which each country is bound while participating in this universal Expo, but even more so it is a tangible sign of the Holy See’s esteem for the United Arab Emirates. I am here to bear witness to the many ties that have been created between us.
“There is no doubt that our cultural roots, religious beliefs, territorial size and histories are quite different. Yet we have chosen to know each other better, to appreciate each and are committed to looking for convergences that can contribute to the peace of the international community. For this very reason, fifteen years ago, diplomatic relations were established between the Holy See and the United Arab Emirates.”
Emphasising that their presence at Expo 2020 Dubai was symbolic and cultural without commercial purpose, Cardinal Parolin noted the ideal of peaceful coexistence between different nations, cultures and religions, adding that the Holy See is “firmly committed to promoting this on a socio-cultural, educational, diplomatic and religious level so that harmony can be truly realised.”
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Following the National Day ceremony, the third movement of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s String Quartet in A Minor Opus 132 was performed by Eva Grasbeck and Natalia Vaskinova on violin, Crosby Barrett on viola, and Kate Denton on cello.
Located in the Mobility District, the message of the Holy See Pavilion is based on brotherhood, fraternity, and connection between cultures and peace.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo 2020’s 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
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