President Mohamed Nasheed has this morning inaugurated the Maldives Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.
In the statement he wrote in the guest book at the Maldivian Pavilion, after the inauguration, President Nasheed expressed his confidence that the Maldivian Pavilion would be highly beneficial for the Maldives.
Speaking at the Maldivian Pavilion, President Nasheed said that history shows that the Maldives has been participating in international exhibitions for over a 100 years and this was another opportunity for the Maldives to be part of the history of another country that would be a leader in the international arena.
He said pictures and other remnants of the Maldives’ participation in this Expo will be testament to the Maldives’ active involvement in the international community.
After opening the Maldivian Pavilion, President Nasheed and First Lady Laila Ali visited the China Pavilion in the Expo.
The Expo, which was formally opened for public today, is expected to draw 70 million people over six months to pavilions from almost 200 nations designed to reflect the urban sustainability theme of "Better City, Better Life."
President Nasheed also this afternoon visited the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center and Woo Po Shing Gallery of Chinese Bronze.
The First Couple arrived in Shanghai this morning.
During his transit at Bangkok Airport, on his way to Shanghai, President Nasheed met with the Foreign Minister of Thailand Kasit Piromya.
During the meeting the President and Thai Foreign Minister discussed the bilateral relations between the Maldives and Thailand, and projects being undertaken in the Maldives by Thailand. The Foreign Minister also briefed the President on the current political atmosphere of Thailand.
