Four nations, including Iran and South Africa, have withdrawn from World Expo 2025 Osaka, citing various challenges, though 158 countries remain committed to participating.
Four countries, including Iran, South Africa, Botswana and El Salvador have decided to withdraw from the World Expo 2025 scheduled from April to October in Osaka, Japan.
On Saturday, Iran’s Government Spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that decision to withdraw from Expo 2025 Osaka was taken after "comprehensive internal assessments regarding the conditions for participation and related limitations." Iranian official did not go into details.
Iran planned to join the Expo with a simpler Type X structure built by the Japanese side, which was expected to be used as a rest house or exhibition space.
A total of 12 countries, including Russia, Estonia, Greece, Argentina and Mexico have pulled out, for financial and other reasons, but with Cabo Verde newly added to the list, 158 are set to take part in the event.
However, Japanese officials say the event remains on track to be one of the largest international gatherings in the post-pandemic period.
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