Croatia reveals pavilion, program for EXPO 2010

BELGRADE, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Croatia's pavilion and program for EXPO 2010 in Shanghai, China, was presented at the Museum of Modern Art in Zagreb on Monday, reported the Croatian daily Danas.

Opening the presentation, Foreign Affairs and European Relations Minister Gordan Jandrokovic said the international event was an opportunity to share the Balkan country's culture and traditions with millions of people. Up to 100 million visitors are expected during the exhibition's six months, from May 1 to October 31, 2010.

Jandrokovic added that EXPO 2010 would also contribute to the strengthening of Croatian and Chinese bilateral relations. He announced that China would be a partner country at this year's Zagreb Autumn Fair. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the twinning of the cities of Zagreb and Shanghai.

"Fresh impetus to the two countries' political relations will most definitely encourage the interest of Chinese tourists and businessmen in Croatia," Jandrokovic said, according to the Croatian news agency Hina.

Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Wu Lianqi, on hand for the presentation, stated that the exhibition in Shanghai would be the largest to date, with 192 countries represented and 200 international organizations expected.

Consistent with the theme of Expo 2010 "Better City, Better Life," the Croatian pavilion seeks to recreate the experience of a traditional town square, a place of urban gathering and exchange. The pavilion named "Life is Between" was designed by Zagreb architect Branko Siladin. Videos and images will be projected on the pavilion's interior walls, displaying daily urban life, contrasting inland and coastal areas, and ancient and new cities.