"Although the Women's World Cup 2011 will not be a copy of 2006, it is our aim to once again underline Germany's image as an open and friendly host," said Steffi Jones on Friday in Rio de Janeiro, as she publicised the first ever FIFA Women's World Cup™ to be held in Germany, which will take place next year.

She was attending a symposium entitled "Major Sporting Events and Sustainable Urban Development", along with Germany's Minister for Foreign Affairs Guido Westerwelle. The head of the Organising Committee (OC) met a number of high-ranking officials from the organising committees of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ and 2016 Olympic Games. These included the Governor of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Sergio Cabral, the President of the Rio 2016 Project, Carlos Arthur Nuzman, and Joao Havelange, member of the International Olympic Committee and former FIFA President.

The preparations of the local organisers for the forthcoming sporting milestones in Brazil were on the agenda at the symposium. As were the national and international repercussions of the 2006 FIFA World Cup as well as the key data on the FIFA World Cup 2011 in Germany.

"It is impressive to see the reputation that the 2006 World Cup in Germany enjoys here, both organisationally and in terms of the atmosphere, and how it has set the standard for the hosting of major sporting events," said Jones.

"In a country like Brazil where there is such atmosphere and such a love of football, they are still talking about the good humour and friendliness of the Germans, and this shows the positive effects that a World Cup can have on the whole country."

The end of Jones' week-long trip to South America as part of the foreign office's official delegation was scheduled to take in the legendary Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, as well as a visit to a street football project organised by former Bundesliga player Jorginho.