The Ambassador of the Russian Federation, H.E.M. Alexander Orlov, submitted the official letter of candidature signed by Vladimir Putin, President of the Government of the Russian Federation, to the Bureau International des Expositions for the city of Yekaterinburg in the theme of "the Global Mind."

The city proposed the exhibition to be held from May 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020.

Yekaterinburg is a large industrial, scientific and cultural center of Russia with advanced transport and social infrastructure. It is the third biggest transport hub in Russia after Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

The city situated on the crossroads of 6 federal highways and 7 main railway lines. Moreover, it has the biggest international airport outside Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Izmir, Turkey and Ayutthaya, Thailand have submitted their candidature for Expo 2020 to the BIE in May this year.