added details (first version was published at 20:22)
Kazakhstan, Astana, November 22 /Trend D. Mukhtarov/
In a secret ballot, the representatives of 161 member States of the International Exhibitions Bureau voted to select Astana as the host of international specialized exhibition EXPO-2017.
Kazakhstan, Astana, November 22 /Trend D. Mukhtarov/
In a secret ballot, the representatives of 161 member States of the International Exhibitions Bureau voted to select Astana as the host of international specialized exhibition EXPO-2017.
"Application of Astana was supported by 103 member countries of the International Exhibitions Bureau, "no" vote - 44", bid committee EXPO-2017 Astana said in a Twitter-account.
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev made a video message to the participants of the 152 th General Assembly of the International Exhibitions Bureau in an hour before the final vote to host the exhibition EXPO-2017.
The head of the state said Kazakhstan was little known to the world two decades ago. "Today, Kazakhstan is firmly integrated into the international community. We are open for investments, partners and modern technology," Nazarbayev said.
He added that the quality revolution in the energy sector will change all existing ideas about business and life. In addition, it will improve the efficiency of the economy, improve social standards and stop the destruction of the environment.
"Realizing this, Kazakhstan proposed Energy Future as a theme of the exhibition. Conducting of Expo - 2017 in our country will give us a chance to make the future more unique. As you know, Kazakhstan has huge reserves of traditional resources - oil, gas, coal and uranium. However we aim to reveal the powerful potential of alternative energy sources. Kazakhstan follows the course on greening the economy," Nazarbaev said.
He said a new city - Astana appeared 14 years ago in the heart of the Eurasian continent in the ways of the ancient Silk Road. The most advanced technologies were used during the construction.
"Anyone who has ever been to our capital is imbued with the spirit of Astana," Nazarbayev said. "Today, we are waiting for your decision with excitement. Application of Astana is charged with energy of all the people of Kazakhstan," the President concluded.
The Belgian city of Liege was also laid claim to host Expo 2017 at the final stage with a theme "Bringing people together." Theme announced by Kazakhstan's capital, - "Energy Future" - is devoted to alternative energy sources and "green" technologies.
Nursultan Nazarbayev suggested the idea of holding such an event in the capital of Kazakhstan after the successful performance of the country at the regular international exhibition EXPO in the Spanish city of Zaragoza in 2008, when Kazakh pavilion holds third place by the criteria of the external and internal design and quality of the exposure.
Promotion of bid to host EXPO 2017in Astana was announced as a national project by Kazakhstan authority. All Kazakh society rallied to support Astana in this competition.
Kazakhstan and Belgium were candidates to host the World Expo in 2017. Both countries have made great efforts since submitting of the application to the International Exhibitions Bureau in the summer of last year. And a positive outcome of this long election campaign was achieved yesterday.
It should be noted that Kazakhstan was the first among candidate countries, which officially started training for EXPO-2017 applications competition and has acquired certain advantages at this stage.
The exhibition is planned to be deployed in the period from June 10 to September 10, 2017.
Kazakhstan has chosen Future Energy, which affects global issues and problems related to energy, exciting in the world today as a theme of the EXPO-2017.
Objects, built in the frame of EXPO, will allow to consider the capital of Kazakhstan as a major international, exhibition and information-presentation platform in the future.
The exhibition EXPO in Kazakhstan will demonstrate a new level of understanding among peoples of the world and will contribute to EXPO movement, as well as industrial-innovative development of the country.
The exhibition with the participation of at least 120 countries and international organizations will be further evidence that the authority and the country's image in the world is earned by peace initiatives and projects aimed at sustainable and dynamic development.
An exhibition in Astana in 2017 will coincide with its 20th anniversary.