An English-language daily of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said Monday that the country's participation in the Shanghai Expo comes as a recognition of the important role played by China on the global stage.

It also reflects the advancements made in the UAE-China relationship at various levels, the Dubai-based Gulf News said in an editorial.

Omar Al Bitar, the UAE's ambassador to China, was quoted as saying that the UAE is proud to bring a small part of the country to China.

"This is a great day for China, and a great day for the UAE ... We are also very happy to welcome all our visitors to hear our story," he said after opening the UAE pavilion, which occupies an area of 6,000 square meters in the heart of the expo site.

In Canada, many people could still call into their mind the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Expo.

Kim Zhang, president of TianBao Travel, an authorized ticketing agent of the expo, said: "When watching the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Expo, people would naturally be reminded of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games two years ago ... China hosted two great world events in three years, which is such a great thing."

"I watched the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Expo attentively from the very beginning to the end, and was deeply touched by many details... There were such moving moments like a teenager helping a blind singer coming up to the stage, a Shanghai-resident Japanese singing a song every Chinese of my generation are familiar with, etc."

Bobby Cai, president of Canada-China Tourism Association, said: "At the very beginning, I was a little bit worried about the event, but afterwards, I was so much relieved and satisfied. It's a perfection! I just returned from Shanghai, there's such a great change in Shanghai in the four months after I last visited the city."

Michael Chan, Ontario minister of tourism and culture, said: "I'm also sorry that I can not be in China at this moment. But I'll go to China in June. If not June, in July or August I'll be in China for sure."