Osaka, (SONNA) — The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Isaaq Mohamud Mursal, officially opened Somalia’s National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, an event dedicated to showcasing the country’s heritage, culture, and development vision.
The ceremony highlighted Somalia’s rich traditions, literature, and modern arts, symbolizing the nation’s renewed global image. The exhibition drew participants and visitors from around the world attending the Expo.
In his remarks, Deputy Minister Mursal said the occasion reflected Somalia’s pride, identity, and progress, noting that Somali culture remains the foundation of the nation’s unity and resilience. He underlined Somalia’s notable achievements in recent years under the National Transformation Plan and Vision 2060, built on sustainable growth and international cooperation.
He urged the international community to “see today’s Somalia with new eyes” — a country full of hope, talent, and potential.
For his part, Ambassador Yasushi Misawa, Deputy Chairman of Expo 2025, commended Somalia’s participation, describing it as a beautiful nation with vast opportunities, energetic youth, and a vibrant culture, while expressing Japan’s readiness to deepen future collaboration.
The event featured performances by Somali artists Nimco Dareen and Abdiweli Dhuux, who captivated the audience with their music. Somali youth also performed traditional dances, reflecting the liveliness and charm of Somali culture.
The program concluded with a poetry recital by Ambassador Hodan Osman Abdi, Somalia’s Ambassador to China and non-resident Ambassador to Japan, who delivered the renowned poem “Soomaali Baan Ahay” by the late poet Cabdulqaadir Xirsi Yamyam.
