Shanghai Daily news

The top parliamentarian of the newly independent Republic of Montenegro said yesterday that the Shanghai World Expo 2010 will be a great opportunity to showcase the country of 630,000 to the world.

It voted to secede from Serbia in May 2006, the last of six countries to break away from the former Yugoslavia.

Ranko Krivokapic, president of the Montenegro's parliament, made the comments in a meeting with Huang Yaocheng, deputy director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination.

Huang thanked Montenegro for its early confirmation of participation in the Expo and explained that China provides assistance to countries in need to help them putting up their exhibitions.

The aid includes funds for pavilion design, operation, transport and insurance, among other Expo expenses.

Montenegro is on the list of countries that qualify for assistance, Huang said. The organisers hope the country could appoint a commissioner general for the Expo as soon as possible so that discussions could begin about Montenegro's participation.

Krivokapic said Shanghai has made great progress in preparing for the World Expo and Montenegro looks forward to present itself to the international community.

After the meeting, the delegation visited the master plan exhibition hall in the Expo Mansion and enjoyed a bird's eye view of the Expo site from atop the building.