Dubai, UAE: New Zealand has formally announced its participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, according to a press release available on Expo 2020 Dubai’s website. Simon Bridges, New Zealand Minister for Economic Development, formally announced the country’s participation by delivering a letter of acceptance from the New Zealand Prime Minister, Bill English, informed the press release.

The country, the press release said, shares close ties with the UAE, as well as a shared vision in many key areas, such as energy and education. New Zealand’s desire to take part in the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region is grounded in the country’s core values: Kaitiaki, Ingenuity and Integrity, highlighted the press release.

New Zealand, the press release mentioned, already generates nearly 85% of its total energy supply using renewable sources, while the UAE has set a target of 44% of its energy coming from clean sources by 2050, with Dubai setting its own target of 75%.

Commenting on the announcement, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, said: “There are many goals in common between New Zealand and the UAE including looking forwards to, and working towards, achieving a clean and renewable future. New Zealand’s decision to take part in Expo 2020 underlines the importance that Dubai plays as a global destination and a point of convergence for the peoples of the world, consistent with Expo’s overall theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.”

New Zealand Ambassador to the UAE, Jeremy Clarke-Watson, added: “New Zealand has a strong trade and economic relationship with the United Arab Emirates. Our countries embrace innovation and technology so we’re excited to share knowledge and ideas as we work together towards Expo 2020 Dubai.”