What Did Putin See at Expo-2015 in Milan?

On June 10, Expo 2015, which is currently underway in Milan, Italy hosted the National Day of Russia. The opening ceremony was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. This year’s world fair opened on May 1 and will run to October 31. The exhibition is devoted to the issue of providing healthy and sufficient food for all the world’s inhabitants and preventing hunger.

 

1/16

© AFP 2023 / GIUSEPPE CACACE

Participants to the Expo 2015 include 145 countries, three international organizations, several corporations and non-governmental organizations.

Above: A night picture shows the "Tree of Life," a 35-meter-high installation, at the site of the Universal Exhibition 2015 in Milan.

2/16

© REUTERS / Alexei Nikolsky/RIA Novosti/Kremlin

The National Day of Russia celebration was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. The two leaders visited the Russian pavilion, explored the exhibition and tasted kvas, a Russian traditional drink.

Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (center) at the Russian pavilion at the Expo 2015 in Milan.

3/16

© Sputnik / Vitaliy Belousov

The theme chosen for the Expo 2015 is "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life." Many countries participating in the exhibition presented their best ideas on how to address problems with global food supply and sustainability of the planet.

Above: Visitors at the Expo 2015 universal exhibition in Milan.

4/16

© Sputnik / Vitaliy Belousov

"For the first time in its centuries-old history, the Expo will not simply be an exhibition of human progress, but the opportunity to promote discussion and cooperation […] to develop joint strategies to improve the quality of life and support the environment," the organizers summed up.

Above: Visitors to the Russia Pavilion at the Expo 2015 in Milan.

5/16

© AFP 2023 / Luca Bruno

The Russian pavilion covers a floor of more than 4,000 square meters. It is one of the most visited locations among the 54 national pavilions at the expo. Since the start of the exhibition over 440,000 people have visited it.

Above: A girl plays with a ribbon in the colors of the Russian flag as she waits to see Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 2015 Expo in Milan.

6/16

© AP Photo / Luca Bruno

A total of 2.7 million visitors have come to the Expo 2015 since it kicked off on May 1.

Above: Visitors enjoy the Azerbaijan pavilion at the Expo 2015 in Milan.

7/16

© Sputnik / Vitaliy Belousov

The area occupied by the Expo 2015 site is located about 15 kilometers northwest of Milan in the municipalities of Rho and Pero, and covers an area of 1.1 square kilometers. It incorporates an array of impressive architectural projects and unique landscapes that represent different cultural identities.

Above: Visitors and participants of a cosplay at the Expo Milano 2015.

8/16

© AFP 2023 / GIUSEPPE CACACE

Each of the 145 participating countries is hosted in a self-built pavilion and is represented on the official Expo website.

Above: A general view shows the Thailand pavilion at the site of the Universal Exhibition 2015.

9/16

© AP Photo / Antonio Calanni

This year, it is the second time in history when Milan has hosted the universal exposition. The first such exhibition in Milan – the Milan International – was held back in 1906.

Above: People visit the Italian pavilion at the Expo 2015 in Milan.

10/16

© AP Photo / Antonio Calanni

In addition to the pavilions, visitors can explore the five thematic zones which include: Pavilion Zero; The Future Food District; Children’s Park; Biodiversity Park and Arts and Food.

Above: A woman sits in front of the Japan pavilion at the Expo 2015 in Milan.

11/16

© Sputnik / Vitaliy Belousov

The first international fair was held in London in 1851. Initially, the expo was aimed at display the latest technical and scientific advancements and innovations to the public. For instance, at the 1876 expo in Philadelphia Alexander Bell for the first time displayed the telephone to the public. Sometimes, exhibitions dramatically changed the architectural landscape of the host city. The Eiffel Tower was specially constructed in Paris for the 1889 expo. Initially, it was planned to be dismantled after the event, but it survived and became the most famous landmark of the French capital.

Above: Indonesian representatives at the Expo 2015 in Milan.

12/16

© AFP 2023 / Luca Bruno

Later, the universal exhibition started focusing on global problems, including the role and place of humanity in the life of the planet, urbanization, sustainable development, poverty etc.

Above: Visitors stand on the roof of the US pavilion at the Expo 2015 in Milan.

13/16

© Sputnik / Vitaliy Belousov

During the National Day of Russia, visitors had a chance to see splendid cultural programs, including a performance by the Moscow Virtuosi orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Spivakov and shows by traditional Russian dancing ensembles.

Above: A participant dancing a Russian dance with spoons at the Expo 2015 in Milan.

14/16

© AP Photo / Antonio Calanni

A total of 61 universal expositions have been held from 1851 to 2015. Russia has never hosted such an exhibition.

Above: People visit the Italian pavilion at the Expo 2015 in Milan.

15/16

© Sputnik / Vitaliy Belousov

The universal expo is held each five years and runs for six months.

Above: Visitors at the Expo Milano 2015 universal exhibition in Milan.

16/16

© AP Photo / Antonio Calanni

According to the organizers, after the exhibition its site will be turned into "a smart city" – a place where advanced technologies and energy will be used reasonably and in accordance with nature protection principles.

Above: A view of the Slovakian pavilion at the Expo 2015 in Milan.