DOHA, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- The International Horticultural Expo 2023 kicked off in Qatar's capital Doha on Monday.
Under the theme of "Green Desert, Better Environment," the 179-day expo is held on a site spanning 1.7 square kilometers in central Doha, the organizer announced on the expo's official website.
So far, 57 countries have confirmed their participation in the expo, which aims to inspire the international community to adopt innovative solutions for mitigating desertification, the organizer said.
In a speech to mark the inauguration of the expo, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar's prime Minister and minister of foreign affairs, said the expo is a testament to Qatar's dedication to environmental preservation for future generations.
"We ardently reiterate our call for the adoption of more eco-friendly approaches in diverse facets of life," he added. ■