King Carl XVI Gustaf, accompanied by a number of dignitaries, was welcomed by Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai and Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf said: “Being here reminds me of a quote by [the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE] that is well-known to all Emiratis: ‘A nation without a past is a nation without a present or future’. It is inspiring to see that with the UAE’s impressive development, Emiratis continue to live by his creed. The UAE’s past, present and future is truly reflected here at Expo 2020, as well as throughout this nation. It is my pleasure to congratulate you all on the occasion of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.”
His Majesty pointed out that both the UAE and Sweden are aiming to build sustainable cities: “Sweden and the UAE stand united behind one word, and that is innovation. Innovation has played a huge role in Sweden’s economic growth and development… Innovation is not born in a vacuum – innovation thrives through co-creation. Simply put, we are smarter together than apart. And through innovation we are able to find common solutions to common challenges.
“Expo gives us the possibility to develop innovative solutions not just for the good of our own country but for the global market and global good. It is a true opportunity for co-creation, for innovation. I’m confident that the partnership created here at the Expo will strengthen cooperation between Sweden and the UAE and the countries of the world, and that we will be able to generate new ideas and solutions together.”