ISTANBUL (AP) — President Abdullah Gul has reiterated the Turkish government’s commitment to staging the 2020 Olympics in Istanbul, saying the country will “deliver on promises.”
Gul spoke at a welcoming address to IOC inspectors, who began a four-day visit Sunday to assess Istanbul’s ability to host the games. The team has already visited rival bidders Tokyo and Madrid.
Turkey is promising modern venues and is touting a two-continent backdrop for the games in Istanbul, which straddles Europe and Asia.
Gul says “we have a history of delivering on our promises and we will deliver on our commitment to you.” The IOC will select the host city in Buenos Aires on Sept. 7.
Istanbul has previously tried to host the 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Games.
