OREANDA-NEWS. October 27, 2014. About 10 countries have confirmed their participation in the EXPO 2017 event in Astana, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Rapil Zhoshybayev told press conference.

"As a commissioner of the exhibition, I visited a number of countries and extended invitations. We've already got confirmations from at least 10 countries," Mr. Zhoshybayev said.

In his words, majority of participating countries are expected to confirm their participation next year.

"The process of confirmation involves signing treaties with the countries that wish to participate in the EXPO 2017 event. The first meeting of the EXPO 2017 international participants kicked off in Astana yesterday. More than 200 delegates from 86 countries gathered in the Kazakh capital. Next year we plan to visit more than 80 countries and get confirmation from them. We will also extend additional invitations to 30-35 countries in 2016," he added.

The press conference was held within the framework of the first ever meeting of the EXPO 2017 international participants in Astana.