Dubai, UAE, March 17, 2022:On the margins of EXPO2020 today in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates and the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis strengthened their diplomatic bonds by signing an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) of Cultural Cooperation Agreement at the United Arab Emirates pavilion. This significant event was witnessed by the contingent of 15 winning essay competition youth from the Federation who are presently on their prize trip in Dubai.
Signing on behalf of the UAE was Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth while the Honourable Jonel Powell, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture, signed on behalf of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. Both Ministers engaged in discussions on cultural exchanges, education, and future collaboration. Minister Powell welcomed the idea of cultural exchanges and HE Al Kaabi promised to have a traditional band from the UAE visit St. Kitts and Nevis later this year, planning for which is set to immediately commence to coincide with the St. Kitts Music Festival in June.
Additionally, the UAE has offered St. Kitts and Nevis four scholarships at Zayed University, as well as, vocational training opportunities in hospitality at ERTH Abu Dhabi. An official tour of ERTH will form part of the itinerary for the group of students, parents and Government officials which is slated for Monday 21 March.
Minister Powell thanked HE Al Kaabi for the United Arab Emirates’ hand of friendship and generosity in the provision of scholarships in tertiary education and vocational training. Minister Powell extended an invitation for a cultural group to visit the Federation on an official cultural exchange programme.
Present at the signing ceremony were: Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth (UAE) and head of the UAE delegation along with Ameena Abdulla Alhosani and
Khalifa Ali Khalifa Abu Amaim; the Honourable Jonel Powell, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (head of SKN delegation); His Excellency Mr. Justin Hawley, Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the UAE; Mrs. Elsa Wilkin-Armbrister, Commissioner General for St Kitts and Nevis EXPO2020; Ms. Valencia Syder, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; and Ms. Desiree Huggins and Mr. Patrick Howell from the SKN Pavilion at EXPO2020.
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