African Union Nutrition Champion and champion of African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN), His Majesty King Letsie III, Head of State of the Kingdom of Lesotho recently paid a courtesy visit to African Union Commission’s pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai. Accompanied by Her Majesty, Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of the Lesotho Royal House as their Royal Highness explored the home of Africa’s 55 member states at the global showcase in Dubai.
His Majesty King Letsie III gave the pavilion the Great Seal of the Realm. A historical symbol to show a monarch's approval at the conclusion of an engagement and this prestigious moment took place at the conclusion of their Majesties guided tour at the end of Lesotho’s National honor day at Expo 2020.
Their Majesties, alongside the Ambassador of Lesotho to the GCC, Mr. Boomo Frank Sofonia, were joined by the minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mme Matsepo Molise-Ramakoae, the minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture, Mme Ntloi Motsamai as well as the minister of Small Business, Marketing and Corperatives, Ntate Machesetsa Cheese Mofomobe.
The delegation enjoyed a guided tour that provided context on the layout of the pavilion (celebrating our heroins and heroes), the moments captured as well as setting the scene on the prospect of the Africa we want, as inclusively envisaged through Agenda 2063.
Pavilion Director, Ms. Leslie Richer, said that the African Union pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai serves as a great instrument of changing the narrative about Africa and re-branding the continent to an international audience that is inquisitive and yearning to learn about the authenticity of our African people.
“We want to improve the visibility of the African continent, giving factual-based evidence that this naturally resourced home of 55 united member states, is indeed a secure and endowed place for doing business” remarked Ms. Richer.
His Majesty, at the end of his guided tour, said “it has been a tremendous honor to visit the African Union pavilion. A pavilion that celebrates our history and culture whilst highlighting our economic and political aspirations as a continent. Thank You” His Majesty King Letsie III enshrined on the official visitors book.
The remarks by His Majesty the King were welcomed with great joy, as they directly speak to one of the objectives of the African Union’s pavilion.
“Just like we own the intellectual property to our stories as African people, we are taking ownership of the narrative; assuming responsibility in improving business, brand as well as product visibility,”
“We are driven and determined to create an environment that serves as a spotlight that elevates African-based innovators. Creating new investment opportunities for companies within the private sector, thus creating investment linkages to the African continent” concluded Ms. Richer.
The African Union pavilion at Expo 2020 remains open and ready to welcome visitors from every corner of the globe. Those interested in visiting the pavilion can find more information on the official AU at Expo 2020 website: https://africaexpo2020dubai.au.int/en - the home of the African Union at Expo 2020 Dubai.
For further information please contact:
Mr. Lunga Kupiso, Public Relations & Media Officer - AUC at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission - Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: auexpomedia@africa-union.org | Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Ms. Faith Adhiambo, Media & Communications Coordinator - AUC at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission - Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: ochiengj@african-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org - Web: au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
