Guinea Bissau holds Milan Expo day on independence day

24 settembre 2015

2 min di lettura

(AGI) Rho (Milan), Sept 24 - Guinea Bissau celebrated itsNational Day at Milan Expo 2015 on Sept. 24, which was also the42nd anniversary of its independence from Portugal. "We arevery happy about this coincidence. Celebrating our National Dayon our independence day is an source of extra pride for us,"said Francisca Maria Monteiro, Commissioner General of thecountry's pavilion during her speech at the official ceremony."Our participation in Expo", stressed the diplomat, "shouldalso be an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations withItaly, as well as raise awareness in the world's of ouragricultural and marine wealth, and the uniqueness of thecustoms and traditions of the Guinean people." The GuineaBissau pavilion is in the "Islands, sea and food" cluster,while the theme of its participation is "Seafood andagriculture of the savannah", a clear reference to some of thekey pillars of the country's economy, to which localinstitutions are trying to attract foreign investment. "Ournation has great potential, starting with its natural resourcesand the cultural wealth of the population. It is on thesefactors that we base our hopes that foreign investors will cometo us to ensure the country's further development," saidMonteiro, adding that local institutions "have been longcommitted and will continue to be so, to creating a favourableclimate to attract foreign investment." "The presence of GuineaBissau at the Universal Exhibition is strong and significant,"said Commissioner General of Expo 2015, Bruno Pasquino, whoonce again emphasised "the extraordinary participation ofAfrica in the event, both for the number of participants andthe contents on offer". The Commissioner General wanted "to find out more aboutGuinea Bissau through its exhibition space", perhaps startingfrom the carnival celebrated in the capital Bissau, "smallerthan that of Rio in Brazil, but just as colourful and lively"with "costume and dancing to the incessant rhythm of thedrums". A taste was provided before and after the nationalanthems and official speeches, by the performance of singerPatche de Rima, accompanied by the group Fifito & Bumbulum, whotogether are committed to spreading Guinean culture worldwide.This began with food, with a series of typical dishes offeredin its pavilion on National Day, which ended with a concert byPatche de Rima and Fifito & Bumbulum. The pavilion also hosteda bustling bazaar displaying and selling local handicrafts.(AGI).