DEPUTY SECRETARY SULLIVAN: Thank you very much, Secretary General, distinguished delegates,
my good friend Foreign Minister Faurie, Deputy Prime Minister Gliński.
It is my privilege to represent the United States, which is once again a member state
of the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE).
I’d like to begin by thanking those of you in the room for your support in June that
enabled us to be here today.
I have been a strong supporter of this project since my first day as Deputy Secretary of
State.
In my first public appearance with the diplomatic corps in Washington, I spoke about the Minnesota-USA
bid, in advance of the June vote and described the many attributes of the state of Minnesota
– its beauty, its hospitality, and the strong national support for this public-private initiative.
Since that time, our team and I have met with you and your governments’ representatives
to echo the unique, compelling points of our bid: the universality of the health and wellness
theme; the United States’ proven ability to host World’s Fairs and other large-scale
events; and the strong support of the United States government.
If selected, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Commerce will work
with the host committee and all participating states -- before, during, and after the Expo
-- to facilitate travel, assist with cultural and trade delegations, and to deepen ties
between our countries.
Last month, I hosted the diplomatic corps at the State Department in Washington, D.C.
to review our Expo journey.
Two members of the United States Congress joined me at the Department’s U.S. Diplomacy
Pavilion to underline the strong congressional support for this project.
U.S. Senator Klobuchar and U.S. Representative Emmer, both members of the Minnesota Congressional
delegation, emphasized how Congress had unanimously passed bipartisan legislation – signed by
the President – that authorized Secretary of State Tillerson to rejoin the BIE.
At every level of our government – from the representatives of the American people
in Congress to America’s top diplomat to the President – we have found deep support
for our bid to host the 2023 Expo.
We can’t help but share our enthusiasm with others – whether in Washington, Paris, Addis
Ababa or other capitals around the world where we have hosted Expo 2023 events.
Two weeks ago, more than two dozen Ambassadors to the United States traveled with the U.S.
Deputy Chief of Protocol to experience the great state of Minnesota for themselves.
They reviewed the site’s perfect location, which is next to the largest retail and entertainment
attraction in North America, and its great connectivity to existing rail, road, and air
infrastructure.
In fact, the excellent transportation infrastructure would allow your head of state or head of
government to arrive at your country pavilion to celebrate your national day within 10 minutes
of landing at the airport.
Hospitality in Minnesota is also top of the line.
There are thousands of hotel rooms in close proximity, and the site allows direct access
to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
The United States’ Expo bid is a true public-private partnership, similar to previous bids to host
other large-scale events in Minnesota, like the upcoming National Football League’s
Super Bowl, which Minnesota will host this coming February.
We, and more specifically Minnesota, are able and eager to execute a large-scale, three-month
event with millions of visitors.
The U.S. bid offers BIE member states the best opportunity to promote trade, tourism,
and culture with a specific focus on improving health and wellness around the world.
Our country has wholeheartedly endorsed the grassroots, community-driven efforts of the
Bid Committee to bring the world to Minnesota.
Not only is the United States once again a member of the Bureau of International Expositions,
but we have also re-established a unit at the Department of State to manage our relationship
with the BIE and future U.S. participation in Expos, beginning with Expo 2020 in Dubai.
Last month, Secretary Tillerson conveyed to the United Arab Emirates our intention to
participate in that universal exposition — right on the heels of our successful participation
in Expo 2017 in Astana.
The United States’ bid to host Expo 2023 is also an essential part of our renewed commitment
and support of the Expo movement.
Expos are about much more than just countries, themes, and pavilions; they are about the
hopes and dreams of people, coming together to solve problems by connecting with one another.
I think we can all agree that there is something inspiring about a World’s Fair – a time
when the world comes together to celebrate, explore, and discover the promises and opportunities
of new technologies and partnerships
More than half a century ago, I went to my first World’s Fair in New York City, where
I met people from around the world.
It was in Queens, New York, where my wife is from.
I didn’t know her at the time.
The American people were grateful for that experience and we are grateful for the legacy
that was left behind.
And my experiences at that World’s Fair animate my passion for promoting the Minnesota
bid here.
And we are eager to host the Expo in 2023.
I have not forgotten that Expo experience from over 50 years ago, and I am proud to
stand here before you today, and ask for your country’s support and vote for the United
States’ bid to host the 2023 Expo in Minnesota.
Thank you for your time.