IZMIR - Mayor Aziz Kocaoglu of Turkish western province of Izmir said the whole country, the government, main opposition and Turkish nation support Izmir in its bid to host EXPO 2015.
Lobbying activities are under way prior to general assembly meeting of Bureau of International Exhibitions (BIE) which will chose either Izmir or Italian Milan city to host EXPO 2015 on March 31st.
Kocaoglu said that they held meetings recently with Malta, Philippines, France, Portugal and Iceland, and asked for their support to Izmir.
"Turkey is located on a region which needs peace most in the world. Turkey which take place in the middle of a problematic region like Balkans, Iraq, Palestine, Caucasus and Afghanistan draws attention with its secular and democratic structure. Thus, holding EXPO 2015 in Izmir will serve world peace and humanity more. Turkish President Abdullah Gul and main opposition Republican Paople`s Party (CHP) chairman Deniz Baykal will attend the presentation which will be made on Monday. President, Prime Minister, ministers, deputies and the whole Turkey have become a single heart for Izmir," Kocaoglu said.
He noted that delegates of Iceland and Philippines extended support to Izmir.
(GC)