(ANSA) - ROME, APR 1 - The Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai closed its doors for the final time on Thursday after attracting 1,619,790 visitors during the six-month World Fair, the first to take place in the Middle East.
    "182 days of great emotions and more than 1.6 million visitors," the Italy Pavilion said via Twitter.
    "Thank you everyone and see you in Osaka in 2025 to live again extraordinary moments together at the #ItalyPavilion".
    The pavilion was one of the biggest attractions at the Expo 2020, featuring, among other things, a replica of Michelangelo's David and a rich schedule of shows and events.
    Italy's participation at Expo 2020 Dubai has strengthened the nation's influence in the area in many ways, Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said this week.
    "Over the last few months the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai has hosted many events and initiatives that have increased our presence in the area within a broader political and diplomatic framework that last year saw Italy have a lead role with the presidency of the G20 and co-presidency of COP26," Di Maio said in a video message to 'CEOforLIFE - ECI United Arab Emirates & Global Awards 2022'.
    "The global stage of Expo 2020 enabled us to strengthen economic partnerships for industrial, scientific and cultural objectives, in particular regarding the talents of the SMEs, the backbone of our economic system". (ANSA).