Mali meets with EXPO 2005 Aichi secretary general

BELGRADE - Serbian First Deputy PM and Finance Minister Sinisa Mali met on Thursday in Belgrade with Japan's renowned international expo expert Toshio Nakamura, who has served as EXPO 2005 Aichi secretary general, and said it was valuable to hear the experiences of people who had been involved in hosting such events and were able to convey those experiences first-hand.

"Since we already have 120 countries that are confirmed to attend (EXPO 2027 Belgrade), we expect this to be one of the world's most successful specialised EXPOs ever held. It is the greatest opportunity for our country to present its people, its potential and our culture in the right way... It is also an opportunity for us to continue the reforms we have launched," Mali posted on Instagram.

He noted that he was glad Nakamura had confirmed that hosting EXPO 2027 Belgrade would give Serbia new international value.

That is exactly where the significance of the event lies, Mali added.

"Also, what Mr Nakamura points out frequently is that all the infrastructure built for the EXPO - be it a motorway or an expansion of the airport - would remain to benefit the citizens and contribute to the city's development. That is exactly what the added significance of the EXPO is - in our country, it has initiated some long-awaited projects, such as, for example, a new rail line from the airport, as well as projects such as new museums," Mali posted.

EXPO 2027 Belgrade will be held from May 15 to August 15 2027.