Press releases

MINSK, 16 February (BelTA) – About 35,000 people attended the 22^nd Minsk International Book Fair which took place in the Belarusian capital on 11-15 February, Information Minister of Belarus Liliya Ananich said at the closing ceremony of the forum in 15 February, BelTA has learned.

The book forum in Minsk became that significant platform where 28 states were building bridges of friendship and cooperation, Liliya Ananich noted. The exhibition and the international symposium, Writer and Time, that gathered writers from different countries showed that a talented book and the writer’s word continues to be in demand in the 21^st century. The book should continue to be a measure of value in the society and the state, the minister believes.

These days, Belarus, in my opinion, demonstrated that the country’s wise policy allowed becoming an authoritative international platform where the Normandy Four leaders took an important decision. “We were waiting for this moment and all the guests of the book fair from 28 countries were waiting for this decision. Writers from many countries worked at the Writer and Time symposium to discuss not only important creative issues but also significant moral aspects of the role of the word which should serve peace and mutual understanding between the nations,” Liliya Ananich said.

Chairman of the Union of Writers of Belarus Nikolai Cherginets noted for his part that everyone who worked at the exhibition were united by the idea of the book. Writers did a good job communicating with each other and with their readers. They established new contacts and reached agreements. It will help strengthen creative cooperation, further development, he stressed.

The 22^nd Minsk International Book Fair was first held at the administrative complex at 14 Pobeditelei Avenue. The event was organized by the Information Ministry of Belarus and the Minsk City Hall.