By Tolga Albay and Yusuf Sahbaz

IZMIR, Turkey 

Turkey's Izmir International Fair (IEF) brings together the culture of Anatolian people with the participants from around the world, according to Turkish Trade Minister on Friday.

The IEF will take place with the participation of delegations from 27 countries, including diplomatic representatives from 21 countries, Ruhsar Pekcan told a news conference ahead of the opening of country’s first trade fair.

"We attach great importance to the legacy of the Izmir International Fair," she said.

Pekcan said the 87-year-old fair is one that possesses the most participants in Turkey.

She said 1.2 million visitors attended the fair in 2017, and expects the participation to increase even more this year.

Pekcan also said Serbia being the EIF’s partner country this year has strengthened ties with Turkey.

Turkey is involved in the construction of the highway between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, she added.

Mladen Sarcevic, Serbia’s Education Minister, praised the economic development of Turkey.

"Our relations, which are developing every day, particularly with the free trade agreement, are very positive for the two countries," Sarcevic said.

The IEF opens its doors for the 87th time, themed "innovation-technology" between Sept. 7-16 in Turkey's Aegean province of Izmir, according to the fair's website.

Theater plays, musical performances, cinema screenings, jazz concerts, zumba, street shows and workshops are among the activities during the fair.

*Jeyhun Aliyev contributed to this story from Ankara