"So far, the participation of more than 130 participants has been confirmed Expo 2027. If we look at previous specialized exhibitions, such as Astana in Kazakhstan, we exceeded their number, which was 117," Igor Kovačević, director of the department for international participants of Expo 2027, told Serbian media reporters in Washington.
"However, what is very important for us is not only the quantity but also the quality of the development of relations with those countries, in terms of bilateral diplomatic relations and business ties," he emphasized.
Key postulates of Expo
After participating in a panel discussion in the US Congress on the improvement of transatlantic economic cooperation, Kovačević said that the majority of the applicants are states, but there are also numerous intergovernmental organizations that have applied to participate, such as the United Nations.
"We, as a good host, will not close the application process. Of course, additional processes of discussions with potential participants are underway. What is very important is that all participating countries absolutely fulfill their expectations from the Expo," he said.
Kovačević added that he presented the national project of Serbia and the key postulates of the Expo in the field of public diplomacy at the panel in the Congress, bearing in mind that during the 93 days of the manifestation it will be the "largest diplomatic event in the world", which will be attended by a huge number of statesmen of the participating countries.
"We also presented the business component, bearing in mind that each country has the opportunity to have a special invention conference during its national day where they will present their capacities... We talked about the already confirmed participation of great American and global companies at the same time, such as Cisco and Archer Aviation, which will be presented," he said.
Serbia and the USA
Speaking about the visit to Washington, he reminded that three weeks ago the USA signed an agreement on participation in the exhibition in Belgrade and that the presentation in the capital of the USA and in Congress, as well as the conversation with the representatives of that country, is "a logical sequence and continuity of all activities that have been agreed upon".
"During the visit to Washington, we also reminded of the 145 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and this is something that will continue to be insisted upon. The basis of everything is diplomatic understanding, bilateralism and the creation of business continuity, which, through networking, exchange of business processes and ideas, will create something that will only be a real legacy in the period after the EXPO," he said.
The US Commissioner for the specialized international exhibition Expo 2027, Gavin Wax, said at a panel in Congress that the exhibition in Belgrade is a huge opportunity for the revitalization of relations between the two countries and the opportunity for companies to come together in that place, make deals and achieve prosperity.
Trump's popularity in Serbia
"We expect this event to have not only an immediate impact in Serbia, but also in the wider region, in terms of strengthening our relations in the future, on a commercial, cultural and public-diplomatic basis. I think there have been big changes in our relations," he said.
Vaks reminded that Serbia and the USA were allies and winners in two world wars and that they are connected by many things in history.
"And US President Donald Trump recently shared an article on social media highlighting the importance of this relationship. It's not a small thing, on the contrary, this is a huge thing for Serbia and the US," he said.
He added that it is often emphasized that Trump is very popular in Serbia.
"Maybe he is more popular in Serbia than in the American capital, although that is too low a scale for comparison. But still, his popularity is not something that is ignored here and inspires hope in the broader context of the relationship between the two countries," he said.
Source: Beta
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