ShareKUWAIT: Several publishers and diplomats accredited to the country said on Thursday that the Kuwait International Book Fair has become a focus of attention for publishers, readers and lovers of scientific and cognitive reading due to its distinct and remarkable impact on Arab culture.
They explained in separate statements to KUNA that the 46th edition of the fair is characterized by activities and events in addition to the broad participation of a number of writers and publishing houses from various countries across the world.
Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the State of Kuwait, Dr Saleh Al-Kharusi, said that the Sultanate is keen on participating in the exhibition ever year as the exhibition enriches the cultural and intellectual arena due to the gathering of the most important local, Arab and international publishing institutions. Al-Kharousi added that the Sultanate of Oman seeks through its participation in the current edition to provide a better participation this year than previous years. “Spreading culture is an integral part of diplomatic work,” he said.
Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Kuwait Osama Shaltout said that the book fair is one of the most important cultural events that provides access to the latest Arab and Western publications. Shaltout added that the book fair is an opportunity for cultural and intellectual exchange.
Egypt has participated in the fair since its inception because of its scientific and cultural value as more than 46 publishing houses are participating in the exhibition with about 40,000 books being displayed. The diplomat at the Cultural Attache at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the country, Dr. Jamil Al-Hamid, said that the Kuwait International Book Fair is considered one of the important and large exhibitions at the Arab level that brings together publishers from various countries.
Chairman of the Arab Publishers Union Muhammad Rashad said that Kuwait has had a long history and an important impact on Arab culture since the 1960s, publishing many books, including Al-Marifa magazine and many books from various specializations. Rashad stressed that he is always keen to participate in the Kuwait International Book Fair, pointing out that the reader in Kuwait is aware and educated and is always looking for new works that stimulate the publishing movement.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has organized students’ visits to the fairground of Kuwait International Book Fair. The 46th edition of the fair has attracted many book lovers including groups of students whose visits are organized by the ministry as an encouragement for the youth to develop the good habit of reading. — KUNA
