13/05/2011 - The Secretary General of the BIE, Vicente G. Loscertales met the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Kim Hwang-Sik, during his visit to Seoul on May 11th 2011.

The Secretary General spoke of the importance of the Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea and its theme "The Living Ocean and Coast" and praised the efforts of the organisers to realise a successful exhibition. Furthermore, he referred to the need for concerted efforts for a global communication of Expo Yeosu and its theme, especially in light of the current international efforts to overcome the serious challenges related to the environment. The Secretary General noted that a reinforced participation of corporations to the exhibition would increase the level of innovation capacity and technological capacities.

In turn, Prime Minister Kim reiterated the support of the Korean Government for the hosting of Expo 2012 Yeosu.

Prime Minister Kim visited the city of Yeosu on May 12th, one year before the opening of the Expo, to chair the 10th Committee Meeting on Governmental Support for the Expo.