Beijing, October 08 (QNA) - Qatar Pavilion participating in the International Horticultural Exhibition (Expo Beijing 2019) won the grand award of the Expo's organizing committee for the best foreign pavilion and also won the grand award of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), the most prestigious awards for foreign pavilions participating in the exhibition.

The award was received by Deputy Commissioner-General of the Qatar Pavilion at Expo Beijing Dr Fikra Ashkanani at a ceremony held at the occasion where winners were honored and awards were distributed.

Dr Ashkanani expressed her happiness over the win of the two awards, pointing out that the honor was the result of the collective efforts by the members of the Committee for the preparation of the Qatar Pavilion, as well as the great support from the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.

Dr Ashanani added that despite their confidence in the wins, they were overwhelmed with the announcement that Qatar Pavilion won two awards instead of one, the two highest awards given to participating wings.

Member of the Qatar Pavilion at the Expo Beijing Faisal Abdullah Al Dosari expressed his happiness over this achievement and explained that the efforts exerted by the Committee and the unlimited support of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment resulted in this win, which was the fruit of all the efforts and an affirmation of the distinguished participation of the State of Qatar in this event, a participation praised by all.

The win is an affirmation of the efforts exerted by the State of Qatar represented by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment in preparing for this participation to be distinctive and not just attendance.

Since the signing of the agreement to participate in the Expo Beijing in May 2018, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment made great efforts to make participation successful and these efforts resulted in the design of a unique pavilion that was the largest after China's.

The pavilion used eco-friendly materials, designed by Qatari engineer Fatima Fawzi, inspired by the Sidra tree, which enjoys the love and appreciation of the Qatari community for its qualities of strength and rigidity and ability to withstand all the difficult circumstances. The Sidra tree remains strong and green despite drought and lack of water, which symbolizes the rigidity and perseverance of the State of Qatar to overcome all difficulties and tribulations.

Visits to the Qatar Pavilion at the Expo Beijing exceeded two million from various nationalities and ages who were impressed by this masterpiece of urban and diverse activities, which were designed specifically to suit all visitors.

The organizing committee of Expo Beijing has set many conditions and criteria for the evaluation of entries, and the Qatar Pavilion has met all the required criteria and deserved the grand prize.

The pavilion also won the grand prize of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), which is an organizer and licensor of the Expo Beijing.

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) promotes and supports horticultural producers, organizes and supervises festivals and exhibitions related to horticulture. The association also works to stimulate the increasing demand for ornamental trees, plants and flowers worldwide, as well as to protect and promote the interests of the industry and strive to secure best practices in the production of ornamental plants.

AIPH has set several criteria for evaluating the participants, including designs, environmental protection and compliance with specific conditions, as well as ensuring the health and care of the plants grown in the pavilion, including the types of plants and their association with the local species grown in the natural environment of the participating country.

In recognition of the distinguished relations between Qatar and the People's Republic of China, the two countries last year celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations, which is a relationship based on cooperation, as well as mutual benefits, understanding and harmony. The pavilion will be dedicated to the Chinese side for future generations, and will be present in international forums as a symbol of bilateral friendship and cooperation between the two friendly countries.