Today the Executive Director of ISTC, Mr. David Cleave had participated in the meeting arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Company "EXPO-2017 Astana". There was around 50 diplomatic organizations which took part in the meeting. During the given event the Chairman of the NC "EXPO-2017", Mr. Akhmetzhan Esimov presented the ongoing work in detail related to the construction of the Exhibition. Currently 103 countries and 17 international organizations confirmed their involvement. 98 Commissioners were nominated. Around 82 agreements were signed with countries including international organizations and 61 countries have reserved the celebration of their national days.

It is expected that by the end of October the EXPO construction will be completed and subsequently all participants may start their installation work and etc.

In total the amount of Sponsor funds as of today are 125 million Euro.

Right after the speech the chairman held a Q&A session.

Before the meeting all of the participants had a real opportunity to witness the construction work in process and to see the pavilion built for the USA, Brazil and Vatican.

Mr. David Cleave had a short conversation with the Chairman of EXPO-2017, Mr. Akhmetzhan Esimov and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and the EXPO National Commissioner Mr. Rapil Zhoshibaev. During the talk with Mr. Zhozhibayev, Mr. Cleave raised the question about the procedures which ISTC should take regarding the office space to be provided by the Government of Kazakhstan at one of the EXPO pavilions after the exhibition. Mr. Zhoshibayev advised to write a letter to his name and the name of Mr. Kelimbetov (Chairman of the International Financial Center) with a request to provide a free space and after that he will follow up with the request and provide his support on behalf of MoFA.