9 Caribbean Countries Support Izmir's Expo 2015 Bid

ANKARA - A total of 9 countries from the Caribbean will support Aegean province of Izmir's candidacy to host EXPO 2015, officials said on Thursday.
According to diplomatic sources, the support expressed by PM Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and Grenadines, who is currently in Turkey on a formal visit, was of great importance in order to receive support from other Caribbean countries.
Saint Vincent and Grenadines is a leading country which is influential over 6 countries that are members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, sources said.
In addition to these 6 countries, Haiti, Cuba and Dominican Republic expressed support for Izmir's candidacy and the total number of Caribbean countries supporting the city rose up to 9, sources added.
Officials stated that Izmir needed to get 71 votes during the voting to take place in Paris on March 31st in order to host EXPO 2015.
(DO-ULG)