On July 29th, 2019, the U.S.-U.A.E Business Council and the U.A.E. Embassy’s Trade and Commercial Office supported a reception at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. with Secretary Michael Pompeo for the U.S. Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Senior business executives from leading U.S. companies were in attendance as well as U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Mr. Danny Sebright and U.A.E. Embassy Commercial Attaché Mr. Saud Al Nowais.
From L to R: U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Ms. Michelle Guida, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Global Public Affairs, and Senior Official for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of State
The reception began with Ms. Michelle Giuda, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Global Public Affairs, and Senior Official for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, giving remarks on the U.S.’s involvement in World Expos throughout the years.
Then, Ms. Maha Al Gargawi, Vice President of International Participants, and Ms. Gillian Hamburger, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Expo 2020 Dubai, delivered a presentation about the event’s three thematic pavilions, legacy, and partnership opportunities.
Ms. Giuda introduced Secretary of State Michael Pompeo to present formal remarks.
Secretary Pompeo remarked on the importance of Expo 2020 Dubai for presenting America’s narrative and message to the world. He said that Expo 2020 will create a unique opportunity for American companies to demonstrate best-in-class innovation and thought leadership.
From L to R: Mr. Mike Spanos, CEO of Asia, Middle East and North Africa at PepsiCo and U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo
Secretary Pompeo introduced Mr. Mike Spanos, Chief Executive Officer, Asia, Middle East and North Africa at PepsiCo, who underlined the strategic importance of Expo 2020 Dubai and the U.A.E. for the company. PepsiCo has already committed a significant amount of funding to the U.S. pavilion and is a key partner of Expo 2020 overall.
From L to R: U.S. Secretary Michael Pompeo, Ms. Maha Gargawi, Vice President of International Participants, and Ms. Gillian Hamburger, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Expo 2020 Dubai share views on the U.S. Pavilion at Expo 2020
Subsequent to the formal remarks, Secretary Pompeo exchanged thoughts with Mr. Sebright and Mr. Al Nowais on the importance of Expo 2020 Dubai. Secretary Pompeo thanked Mr. Sebright and Mr. Al Nowais for their work on and overall support of the U.S.-U.A.E. bilateral relationship.
From L to R: Mr. Saud Al Nowais, Commercial Attaché, U.A.E. Embassy, Mr. Danny Sebright, President, U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, and U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo
The Business Council has championed Expo 2020 Dubai ever since Dubai first announced its intention to bid for Expo 2020 in 2011. The Business Council, its Board of Directors, and its member companies were vocal supporters of this bid, working tirelessly to build awareness and garner support for the World Expo to be hosted in Dubai, which will run from October 2020 to April 2021.
Please click here to learn more about Expo 2020 Dubai.
