Press releases

MINSK, 2 February (BelTA) – Writers from 17 countries expressed their willingness to partake in the symposium on the 500th anniversary of the Belarusian book printing to be held as part of the 22nd Minsk International Book Fair, Belarus’ Deputy Information Minister Alexander Karlyukevich said at the meeting of the national organizing committee on 2 February, BelTA has learned.

In particular, Alexander Karlyukevich noted that this year Minsk International Book Fair will feature foreign delegations from more than 30 countries. Belarusian publishing houses will present the books about Francysk Skaryna they published in 2016 and this will be one of the key events of the upcoming book fair. These presentations will be attended by foreign guests of the fair and the participants of the International Literary Symposium entitled Writer and Time on the 500th anniversary of the Belarusian book printing (8-9 February).

Alexander Karlyukevich said that the representatives of 17 countries have so far expressed their willingness to partake in the symposium, including well-known writers from Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Poland, Turkey, Italy, and Serbia. “The ways to present both Francysk Skaryna’s legacy and the 500th anniversary of the Belarusian book printing itself in Belarus and in the whole world will be discussed at the meetings, roundtable discussions, and other events of the fair,” Alexander Karlyukevich noted.

Throughout 2017, special editions (books and photoalbums) will be published in Belarus and presented during the festivities both inside and outside the country. There are plans to launch an international television project named Skaryna in the Languages of the World, to launch The 500 Years of the Belarusian Book section at the national education portal (adu.by) and other projects.

The 22nd edition of the Minsk International Book Fair will take place in the Belarusian capital on 8-12 February. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will be a guest of honor of the 2017 Minsk Book Fair. Russia, Germany, China, Iran, and the United States will run large joint expositions.