Dubai: On Thursday Australia confirmed its participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

The country’s participation was confirmed by Arthur Spyrou, Australian ambassador to the UAE, and Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and director-general of Dubai’s Expo 2020 Bureau.

A statement issued by the pair pointed to Australia’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai reflecting its close links with the UAE across areas including tourism, education and business.

The Expo will provide the country with a global stage to showcase its culture, ingenuity and innovation, as well as highlighting the quality of its service, agriculture and education sectors, the statement added.

Expo 2020 will also enable the country to strengthen trade and two-way investment with nations from around the world, and help Australian companies to capitalise on opportunities in the UAE and wider region before, during and after the Expo.

The country has already benefited from Expo 2020 Dubai, with Australian companies winning Expo-related contracts.

Reem Al Hashimy said in a statement: “Expo 2020 Dubai will be a celebration of ingenuity and collaboration between nations from around the world that will have a lasting impact on human progress.”