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In a true spirit of international solidarity and boosting fraternal relations, Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, led diplomatic officials and representatives from various countries in a 'Walkathon of Nations' on Tuesday night at City Walk Dubai as part of the UAE's 45th National Day celebrations.
"The 'Walkathon of the Nations' reflects the love and belonging of all UAE residents to this homeland," said Al Nahyan, who is also chairman of the Supreme Committee of the 45th National Day.
"As National Day approaches, we recall the vivid images and role of our founding father, Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who developed, built and led the UAE towards the blessed march of renaissance and development. And as we celebrate the Union, we are also proud of the wise leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan," Al Nahyan added.
Al Nahyan said the main objective of the walkathon is "to promote the UAE as symbol of tolerance and peace."
Bangladeshi Ambassador Mohammed Imran said: "This is a good initiative by the UAE to bring countries around the world to share their respective cultures. This also proves that the UAE is a pluralistic country, where there is respect for all religions, traditions and cultures."
"It's also propitious coincidence that both the UAE and Bangladesh became independent n the same year - 1971. Both countries are good friends and they help in each other's development," the ambassador said.
Newly-appointed Philippine vice-consul Marianne Bringas, who arrived in Dubai last week, was also impressed by the level of community spirit in the country. She said: "We are actively participating in the National Day to promote international camaraderie and to share our festive and colourful traditions."
Cultural groups from India, Sri Lanka, Austria, Algeria, Belgium, Malta, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Turkey, South Korea and Ghana performed their traditional dance while Indian visual artist Mrinmay Sebastian and her colleagues from International Watercolor Society did an open-air live painting of the scenes during the walkathon.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture launched a radio competition in Arabic, English and Urdu and released an album of National Day songs.
angel@khaleejtimes.com
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