The 33rd Minsk International Book Fair began its work on March 17 in the Belarusian capital.
A delegation of the CIS Executive Committee led by CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev took part in the official opening ceremony.
Addressing guests and organizers of the book fair from the main stage, Sergey Lebedev noted that the forum has rightfully become one of the most significant and prominent events not only in the Belarusian book publishing sphere but also on an international scale. Every year, major publishing houses showcase their best achievements at its venues. The fair is traditionally distinguished by a rich cultural program, meetings with writers and introductions to current book novelties.
“Today’s fair is special. It is dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Independent States. In fact, the decision of the Interstate Council on Cooperation in the Field of Periodicals, Book Publishing, Book Distribution and Printing to declare the Commonwealth the central exhibitor of this fair is a prologue to a large cycle of events dedicated to this occasion,” he stated.
Sergey Lebedev thanked the Ministry of Information of Belarus for supporting this initiative, as well as for its hospitality and the high level of event preparation. He also expressed gratitude to the diplomatic missions accredited in the Republic of Belarus for their assistance in forming the national expositions of the Commonwealth countries.
“Thanks to this, visitors to the fair will be able to attend presentations dedicated to the Commonwealth states, find out about significant national publications, as well as about the complete collection of books – winners of the International Competition ‘Art of Books’ of the CIS Member States in various nominations,” he believes.
According to the CIS Secretary-General, amid the current geopolitical rift occurring in the world today, the Commonwealth countries pay much attention to security issues but do not forget about strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties. This fair is a vivid example.
“This speaks to the inviolability of the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the peoples of the Commonwealth countries, their confidence in the chosen path. Overall, such a large-scale event as the Minsk International Book Fair carries a powerful positive charge aimed at preserving and further strengthening the friendship of our peoples and good neighborliness of the CIS countries. And as a cultural project, it contributes to the development of printing, broad cooperation in the publishing sphere, and familiarizing the public with the rich palette of literary works,” Sergey Lebedev emphasized.
He also expressed confidence that the fair’s events will be equally interesting to both the general public and book world professionals, and that numerous visitors will duly appreciate the printed products presented at the fair.
“The book fair is a vivid confirmation of the indisputable fact that, despite the development of digital technologies, the printed book remains a symbol of knowledge, spirituality, and cultural identity of the peoples of the Commonwealth,” the CIS Secretary-General stated.
One of the central themes of this year’s fair is the 35th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The exhibition features about 500 exhibitors from 23 countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Venezuela, Vietnam, Iran, DPRK, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, UAE, Pakistan, Palestine, Russia, Serbia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.
Participating countries have been allocated exhibition space where they present significant publications, photographs of landmarks, monuments, and other objects. A separate stand is dedicated to the Year of Belarusian Woman.
Also, presentations dedicated to each CIS state will be held daily at the fair.
In addition, with the support of the Ministry of Education, an educational quarter has been organized involving a wide range of authors of educational and enlightening literature, with book presentations, master classes, and interactive and educational platforms. Four locations have been prepared for guests in the educational quarter. The first is dedicated to publishing activities, the second to scientific and methodological support, the third to additional education for children and youth. The fourth location will be the most dynamic – it is for youth and about youth. This year, a new competition has been added to it – a poetry marathon where participants are invited to write poems about women.
Collective regional stands are also presented, featuring publishing houses, printing houses, libraries, and regional branches of the Writers’ Union, showcasing Belarusian book publishing.
Among the landmark events of the fair are the international symposium of writers “Writer and Time” with participants from near and far abroad countries and the awards ceremony for the winners of the national competition “Art of Books”.
During the fair days, a special “poetry bus” will run, departing from the Sports Palace. Along the way, passengers can listen to classics and contemporary poets; some authors will be present and read their poems personally.
The book fair will run until March 22.