Kuwait information minister proud of being guest of honor at Cairo book fair

Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah said Tuesday that Kuwaiti leadership was proud of Egypt's decision to name Kuwait as guest of honor at the 45th Cairo International Book Fair. "Kuwaiti leadership is proud of this choice and considers it a great Egyptian and Arab honor for Kuwait culture," the Information Minister told KUNA upon arrival to Cairo to partake in the opening ceremony of the book fair on Wednesday. Sheikh Salman, who doubles as chairman of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), expressed gratitude for Egyptian Minister of Culture Mohammad Saber Arab and Head of the General Egyptian Book Organization (GEBO) Ahmad Majahed for their choice of Kuwait as a guest of honor for Cairo Book Fair. He also lauded the historic and deeply-seated political and cultural relations between Kuwait and Egypt. He pointed out that the Cairo International Book Fair, which was launched in 1969, is one of the largest and most important book fairs in the Middle East. "The fair is held this year amid special political and social developments which highlight central and important role of intellectuals in writing the history of nation," the Minister told KUNA. He stated that Kuwait pavilions in the book fair will remain open for two week. The Minister unveiled that Kuwaiti contribution to fair will include photo galleries and the latest publications of the Ministry of Information and the NCCAL. Moreover, Kuwaiti bands will perform a special operetta and folklore arts. Kuwaiti several writers and intellectuals will deliver a number of lectures and partake in the book fair seminars.