Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 8 February (BelTA) – The Year of Culture in Belarus and the landmark anniversaries to be celebrated in 2016 will be in the spotlight during the Minsk International Book Fair, Belarusian Information Minister Lilia Ananich said at a press conference on 8 January, BelTA has learned.

The minister noted that the Year of Culture and the preparations for the 500th anniversary of the Belarusian book printing are important events. Other landmark anniversaries include the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, and other anniversaries associated with the names of Maxim Bogdanovich, Ivan Shamyakin, Kondrat Krapiva, Ivan Melezh, and Vladimir Mulyavin.

These events are reflected not only in literature, Lilia Ananich pointed out. However, books play the uniting role as they bring together scientists, writers, public figures, and readers, the minister stressed. The program of the expo features themed roundtables and the continuation of the Family Happiness campaign that will invite visitors to read Belarusian literature classics together.

Lilia Ananich emphasized that the participants of the fair from different countries organize interesting events. “Each country does its best to show its greatest achievements via a book. These achievements do not only enrich the culture of this country, but also contribute to the development of international humanitarian cooperation,” the minister said.

The 23rd Minsk International Book Fair will be held on 10 to 14 February. Guests from 29 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, France, the United States and others, will take part in the forum. Publishers from different countries will present new book projects. The program of the exhibition features meetings with famous Belarusian and foreign writers and a great variety of book products on offer.

Armenia will be the Guest of Honor of the Minsk International Book Fair. The forum is organized by the Belarusian Information Ministry and the Minsk City Hall. Entry to the fair is free.