Press releases

MINSK, 2 February (BelTA) – Representatives of 31 countries are expected to take part in the 24^th Minsk International Book Fair, Belarus’ First Deputy Information Minister Igor Lutsky told a press conference on 2 February, BelTA has learned.

“The 24^th Minsk International Book Fair will take place on 8-12 February. Representatives of 31 countries are expected to take part in the exhibition this year,” said Igor Lutsky.

Among the participants will be Belarus, Azerbaijan, the UK, Venezuela, Germany, Israel, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, China, Korea, Cuba, Moldova, Pakistan, Palestine, Poland, Russia, Syria, Serbia, Slovakia, the United States, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Finland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Ecuador. Greece is a newcomer.

“This year’s Guest of Honor is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and China were the Guest of Honor at the expo in different years,” the first deputy minister said.

The exhibition will include nearly 300 events. “The events will celebrate the 500^th anniversary of the Belarusian book printing, the 135^th birthdays of Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas as well as anniversaries of Pimen Panchenko, Yanka Bryl and other writers,” Igor Lutsky added.

The events will include the awards ceremony of the national contest Art of the Book, the international literary symposium entitled Writer and Time. Winners of the contest of young writers Pershatsvet will be presented with awards at the forum for the first time.

The 24^th Minsk International Book Fair will be held at the national exhibition center BelExpo (14 Pobeditelei Avenue). The forum is organized by the Belarusian Information Ministry, Minsk City Hall and the bookselling companies Belkniga and Makbel. The entry is free.