Former German Chancellor Schroder attends EXPO 2015 Izmir Symposium

The second Expo 2015 Izmir International Symposium started yesterday with the participation of members and representatives of the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE), the group which will decide if the Aegean city will host the 2015 Expo. Speaking at the opening of the gathering, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder expressed his support for Turkey and Izmir, saying, "Expo 15 would be an important milestone in Turkey's road to the European Union." President Abdullah Gul also came to support Izmir's bid, and attended a dinner hosted for the BIE delegates and participants. Speaking to the gathering, Gul said, "We believe that holding Expo 2015 in Izmir would be a great success and fulfill all your expectations." He added, "This Expo, with its strong humanitarian dimension, will be long remembered. If you give us the chance, we'll stage a world-class event."