New Zealand Minister for Economic Development Simon Bridges today (April 24) formally announced the country’s participation in the big event by delivering a letter of acceptance from Simon William English, Prime Minister of New Zealand, reported state news agency Wam.

The country shares close ties with the UAE, as well as a shared vision in many key areas, such as energy and education. It has also been a vocal supporter of Dubai on its journey to hosting the next World Expo, it stated.

The Expo will be a festival for all, where, through its theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, it will give people a glimpse into the future as well as providing a platform to encourage creativity, innovation and collaboration.

New Zealand’s desire to take part in the first World Expo in the Mena and South Asia region is grounded in the country’s core values, Kaitiaki, Ingenuity and Integrity, said the report.

Kaitiaki is a New Zealand term used for the Maori concept of guardianship, reflecting the country’s goal of preserving its environment and culture for generations to come.

The idea of Kaitiaki, along with New Zealand’s other values of ingenuity and integrity, echo the Expo’s three pillars, Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, it stated.

The use of more clean energy is a common goal of the UAE and New Zealand, which signed an agreement in 2014 on the deployment of renewable energy solutions in various parts of the world.

Welcoming the NZ decision, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, said: "There are many goals in common between New Zealand and the UAE including working towards achieving a clean and renewable future."

"New Zealand’s decision to take part in Expo 2020 underlines the importance that Dubai plays as a global destination and a point of convergence for the peoples of the world, consistent with Expo’s overall theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’," he stated.

New Zealand Ambassador to the UAE Jeremy Clarke-Watson pointed out that the country had a strong trade and economic relationship with the UAE.

"Our countries embrace innovation and technology, so we are excited to share knowledge and ideas as we work together towards Expo 2020 Dubai," noted Clarke-Watson.

While the duo already has strong ties in renewable energy, trade and agriculture, New Zealand is also keen to strengthen relations in technology, space, health care, environmental planning and protection and medical research, he added.