Buenos Aires, Argentina – Straight from the G20 conference in St. Petersburg, Russia, Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Erdogan headlined the Istanbul 2020 Olympic bid presentation to the IOC members Saturday – just prior to a vote deciding who will host.
Speaking in Turkish, Erdogan emphasized that the bid was about tolerance and peace and in response to a question from IOC member Prince Albert of Monaco he claimed that a vote for Istanbul will be a vote to help spread stability and peace in the entire region.
“I would like to send a strong message to the whole world,” he said.
“Come, let us build bridges together. Come, let us build history together”
In reference to his language choice for the presentation he said “I believe that there is one language above all languages of the word – the language of the heart – by saying salam, salam means peace.”
The 45-minute presentation featured three videos, various governement officials and dignitaries and 50 youth athletes under the age of 25.
IOC members asked four questions, they were mainly concerned with transportation infrastructure, anti-doping measures, regional impact and the master plan for the Games.
More to come as presentations continue in Buenos Aires.
