Tonga thanks for post-volcano support during Expo 2020 ^Featured

His Excellency Noah Al Hammadi, Director of East Asia and the Pacific, MOFAIC, welcomed His Excellency, Honourable ‘Akau’ola, Ambassador of Tonga to the UAE for the start of the celebrations, which included a flagraising ceremony at the Al Wasl Stage of Nations, speeches and cultural performances.

HE Al Hammadi said: “Through its Expo 2020 Dubai participation, Tonga invites visitors to learn about its traditions, history, and the relationship that has been cultivated between the Tongan people and their unique environment.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2006, our relationship with Tonga has continued to develop on several fronts, and we look forward to witnessing greater opportunities for collaboration between our two countries, across all areas of shared interest, for our mutual benefit and prosperity.”

HE ‘Akau’ola said: “His Majesty, King Tupou VI, knew that with the UAE hosting the first-ever World Expo in the MENA region, the world was about to witness something extraordinary, and that this would be an unprecedented opportunity for our small South Pacific kingdom.

Our pavilion has enabled us to share our values, and our concerns with regards to climate change and environmental threats, and to do our part, teaching the children of the world the dangers of pollution, how it affects our oceans, and the need to grow up to be smarter and more responsible than the generations before.

“To date, we have welcomed close to 200,000 visitors to the Tonga Pavilion. No other travel or trade show has even come close to providing Tonga with this level of exposure, and neither has any prior World Expo. Furthermore, our connections made here at Expo 2020 Dubai have provided us with opportunities that can expand our kingdom on a global level through digital media.”

A showcase of five cultural performances by Feniu Cultural Dance Group entertained guests during the ceremony, including an elegant dance of Tongan maidens, with traditional drumming, mock energetic battle sequences, and the lakalaka, Tonga’s national dance – a blend of choreography, oratory and vocal instrumental polyphony.

Dubai cultural expression is practised by communities throughout the kingdom and features prominently at important celebrations. Located in the Opportunity District, the Tonga Pavilion invites the world to see the Earth through the eyes of youth.

The theme, ‘The Earth is My Friend’, represents a child’s journey as they learn how to take care of the planet, and delivers powerful messages of the importance of the ocean and the environment and the need for recycling and living sustainable lives.

Visitors are greeted by a young Tongan boy, Lafi, who introduces the nation’s animals, including his best friend, Kaho the whale. Lafi leads visitors through an enchanted forest, featuring motion sensors and 3D cut-outs of trees and flowers, as well as projections of birds and butterflies.

Tonga is home to unspoilt beaches and a beautiful variety of bird species, as well as fertile arable land.

However, in January, the island was rocked by the eruption of an underwater volcano, which triggered a tsunami that swept across the Tongan islands, reached as far as Australia, and impacted tides across the West coast of the United States and South America.

Tonga was plunged into darkness, with thick layers of volcanic ash contaminating drinking water supplies. Countries across the world stepped in with assistance, with HE ‘Akau’ola recognising Australia, New Zealand and Fiji in particular.

“As always, whenever we are faced with natural disasters or major challenges, our friends and neighbours from across the waters are fast to react and provide whatever assistance and support is required,” he said.

HE ‘Akau’ola added: “Both our Embassy in Abu Dhabi and our pavilion team here in Dubai have been deeply touched by the outpouring of sympathy and concern from the other nations of the world being represented here at Expo.

This show of compassion and solidarity for our peoples suffering at home was doubly heartfelt as all communications with Tonga had been severed immediately after the volcanic eruption and tsunami.

“We all felt that we were carrying a piece of hope and goodwill from the world on behalf of our families who could not hear them.” National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of our 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.