Answer: “Russia has been actively involved in the world exhibition process since 1851 when the first World Universal Exhibition in London was held. The Soviet Union, whose successor the Russian Federation is, was among the first signatories of the 1928 Paris Convention that regulates activities of the International Exhibition Bureau (B.I.E.) and procedures that specify the organization of world universal shows. So far, Russia has never held such an event, however. That’s why the idea of arranging Expo 2010 in Moscow was hailed on all levels: the Government, the Parliament, nongovernmental organizations and the public at large. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is an active supporter of the idea.”

Question: “Where do you see Russia’s advantage over other challengers?”

Answer: “This country has huge intellectual and natural resources and is the originator of numerous advanced technologies and progressive ideas. Russia is, in terms of territory, the world’s largest nation, a country of varied culture that unites continents and peoples. The Russian society harmoniously rallied around it people belonging to the four principal world confessions and adherents of other beliefs.

Russia’s geopolitical location constitutes a vital component of its potential. The shortest ways of two most rapidly developing world regions—Western European and Asia Pacific—run across this country. If Russia becomes a bridge that links these two key ‘development centers,’ it will play a unique role in moving all mankind towards unity. In the decades to come, the Earth’s industrial development will objectively and increasingly rely on Russia’s world’s biggest resource potentialities and, at the same time, on its boundless intellectual capacities. Present-day Russia is an open country. The tasks it is addressing today, have—in terms of their significance—an international dimension.”

Question: “Could you briefly characterize Moscow as a potential Expo 2010 venue?”

Answer: “Yes, of course. Moscow is a ten-million metropolis with a well-developed infrastructure and enormous opportunities for the optimal organization of a world exhibition. Moscow has a wealthy experience in holding international forums, shows and conferences. Expo 2010 is slated for a period between May 1 and October 31, 2010, on the grounds of the All-Russian Exhibition Center (VVTs) located in the immediate vicinity of Moscow’s downtown area.

The present VVTs facility covers a surface of 230 hectares. It features unique architecture, exhibition areas, numerous cozy restaurants, cafйs and a Luna Park. This favorite amusement spot is annually visited by 11 million Muscovites and their guests. By the time of the Expo 2010 inauguration, new hotels will be built and the present infrastructure will be drastically upgraded. Under the long-term development plan, the remodeling of the VVTs complex will be fully completed by 2008. The exhibition space will occupy 330,000 square meters. Hence, VVTs will rank among the world’s largest exhibition areas.

I’m sure Expo 2010 will meet the highest requirements placed on the organization of such world-scale events. A study group of the International Exhibition Bureau has ascertained this last May.”

Question: “Now and then, one hears views to the effect that the very idea behind the Universal World Exhibitions has become outdated in the age of the global information space. How would you comment similar statements?”

Answer: “World exhibitions represent unique developments in mankind’s history. They not only demonstrate the latest scientific and technical advances, development prospects of history, traditions and culture of practically the whole of mankind but are also a powerful tool in the evolution of world science. They provide an impetus to enhanced international economic and scientific ties. Despite the expansion of the Internet and other information technologies, nothing will ever replace communication of people, all the more so as personal contacts are becoming ever more precious.”

Question: “It’s still a long way until the year 2010. A lot may happen in the meantime. What makes you view the future with such optimism and confidence?”

Answer: “Russia is consistently moving ahead by democratizing its domestic public and economic life. Today, we confidently face the future: well thought-out changes in all spheres and sustainable economic growth form the basis of political stability. I’m convinced that by 2010, this country will have gone through changes that will enable it to take the lead in many fields of international life.

I would like to ensure once again that this country has all possibilities for turning the World Universal Exhibition Expo 2010 in Moscow into an outstanding event of the early 21st century. We’ll do our best to achieve this objective.”


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© Publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.