Following Yoon and Bin Salman, three Expo leaders compete... Italian Prime Minister also heads to Paris

Italy Aims for European Table Unity

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will visit Paris on the 20th (local time) to attend the 172nd General Assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE). She is the third leader to arrive in Paris following President Yoon Suk-yeol and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A diplomatic battle among the three countries' leaders is expected to unfold for hosting the 2030 World Expo.

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a candidate city for the 2030 Expo along with Busan in South Korea, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and Odesa in Ukraine. Italy is considered a latecomer in the bidding race. However, it is predicted that a positive outcome is possible if European votes consolidate.

Rome was selected as the Expo host city in 1942 but the designation was canceled due to World War II. Italy is now emphasizing the justification for hosting the 2030 Expo. Through the Expo, Italy plans to develop neglected areas on the outskirts of Rome.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Crown Prince bin Salman held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the ?lys?e Palace in Paris on the 16th. President Yoon is scheduled to give a presentation in English at the BIE General Assembly on the 20th.

In Italy's case, Josep Borrell, the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, promised full support at the EU level in March.

The reason why each country's leaders are putting effort into winning the Expo bid is due to the significant economic ripple effects. The South Korean government predicts that the Busan Expo will attract 5.5 million visitors, generate a production inducement effect of 43 trillion won, add a value of 18 trillion won, and create 500,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.

The host city will be decided by a vote of representatives from 170 member countries at the BIE General Assembly in November this year.