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Twenty-eight countries represented at international book fair in Minsk

Publishers based in 28 countries are taking part in the 22nd Minsk International Book Fair that was opened in the Belarusian capital city on February 11.

"Publishers from 28 countries have gathered in Minsk today to once again prove that the book has been and will remain a bridge of friendship and cooperation," Belarusian Information Minister Liliya Ananich said, speaking at the opening ceremony.

The fair will allow participants to exchange information about their activities, establish close ties and show their achievements, books and other printed materials, said Ihar Karpenka, deputy head of the Minsk City Executive Committee.

Russia’s stand occupies the largest exhibition area at the fair. There are also large stands for books from France, Germany, Iran, the United Kingdom and the United States.

China, who is the guest of honor at the fair, is represented by a 79-strong delegation and displays more than 5,000 titles.

China's participation in the fair as the guest of honor turns a new page in its cultural cooperation with Belarus, said Yan Xiaohong, deputy director of China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

According to him, a memorandum on the translation of Chinese books into Belarusian and Belarusian books into Chinese, which was signed earlier in the day, makes a good start to the strengthening of relations between the two countries.

Alyaksandr Lukashenka's message of greetings was read out by Ihar Buzowski, deputy head of the Presidential Administration.

The fair will last until February 15. // BelaPAN