Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Ivory Coast Prime Minister Patrick Achi, reviewed the prosects of fostering cooperation between the two nations and exchanged views over the latest regional and international developments of interest.

This came as the UAE top diplomat received the African premier at Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday, in the presence of Kandia Kamissoko Camara, Minister of State, Minister for Foreign Affairs, African Integration and the Diaspora of Côte d’Ivoire, and Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs.

Sheikh Abdullah and Achi discussed the participation of Ivory Coast in Expo 2020 Dubai and the role of its pavilion in creating promising opportunities for promoting cooperation and encouraging international economic growth.

Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the visit of Achi and his delegation, highlighting the distinguished ties between the two countries and their keenness to reinforce them.

Before the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah and Achi witnessed the exchange of three agreements between the two countries on avoiding double taxation, stimulating and protecting mutual investments, and streamlining air transport services. The three agreements had been signed by the two countries on the sidelines of the visit.

The double taxation avoidance and investment encouragement and protection agreements were signed by Al Hussaini and Camara, while the air transport services agreement was signed by Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and Camara.

Nahyan Bin Mubarak honours winners: Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, honoured the Yas Theatre Company for winning the 12th edition of the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre (DFYT), from 19th to 25th November, 2021.

The awards ceremony at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Expo 2020 Dubai, was attended by Reem Al Hashemy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai.

DFYT, organised annually by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), sheds light on the creativity of theatrical groups in the UAE, providing a platform to introduce the talents and capabilities of those working in this sector. The festival also provides a stage for the budding actors, directors, authors, interior designers, producers, make-up experts, sound engineers, specialists in visual and lighting shows, and fashion designers to showcase their skills to a wider audience.

Fatima Al Jallaf, Acting Director of the Performing Arts Department at the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), said, “Fourteen groups from the emirates had applied to participate in the festival, with six teams accepted for various components of theatrical work. “For nearly 18 years, the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre has nurtured young talent, who graduate to work in theatre and participate in many films around the world.” The winning play, presented by Yas Theatre Company, written by Kuwaiti writer Othman Al Shatti and directed by artist Khamis Al-Yamahi, titled “Matlob Zibala” (Wanted for Rubbish), depicts the alienation that man can experience due to the cruelty of life and the injustice created by those who lack a conscience.

The festival organisers thanked all the teams, who took part in the 2021 edition of the festival and the jury for their efforts, as their task was not easy due to the excellent quality of the submitted works.

WAM