Press Release No. 08/173

Press Release: IMF Deputy Managing Director Portugal Welcomes Progress in Preparations for 2009 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in Turkey

July 11, 2008

Following his visit to Istanbul July 10-11 to discuss preparations for the 2009 Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), IMF Deputy Managing Director Murilo Portugal issued the following statement today:

"During the last two days, a small World Bank-IMF team met with the Turkish authorities involved in the planning and organization of the 2009 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in Istanbul to discuss preparations. We are pleased that preparations are in full swing for ensuring adequate capacities and facilities for the Meetings at the Congress Valley.

"We have visited the site and other venues related to the Annual Meetings, and we have discussed key aspects of organizing such a large-scale event. We are impressed with the efforts made by the Turkish authorities, and the progress achieved in putting the arrangements in place. We are grateful to State Minister Mehmet Şimşek and the Turkish planning and organizing team for their cooperation and hospitality.

"It will be an honor for our institutions to have the city of Istanbul host the 2009 Annual Meetings. The event will cast the spotlight on Istanbul and on Turkey and will showcase the generosity and hospitality of the Turkish people. We will continue the close cooperation with the authorities and are looking forward to successful and productive Meetings in 2009."

Vice President and Corporate Secretary Kristalina Georgieva of the World Bank and IMF Secretary Shailendra Anjaria accompanied Mr. Portugal on the visit.