Amman, November 20 (Petra) – Jordan was dubbed the guest of honor at the 47th Kuwait International Book Fair, which opened, Wednesday, at the Kuwait Fairgrounds under the patronage of Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al Abdullah Al Sabah.

The fair is organized by the Kuwaiti National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters, with participation from 31 Arab and foreign countries, showcasing 544 publishing houses.

This year’s fair, themed "The World in a Book," emphasizes the significance of books and their role in shaping society’s culture. The exhibition will feature three key cultural platforms. The first is the cultural corridor, introduced last year with a youthful character, offering activities that reflect diverse cultural perspectives through cinema, drama, and poetry events. The second is the cultural café, located in the VIP hall, which hosts activities in collaboration with public institutions, civil organizations, and government agencies. Among its highlights is the honoring of Dr. Abdullah Ghunaim, the fair’s personality of the year. The third new addition is the Writer and Book Corner, which connects readers directly with books and includes sessions with various novelists and additional cultural activities.

In his address, Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh expressed gratitude to Kuwait for choosing Jordan as the guest of honor. He emphasized the strength of the Jordanian-Kuwaiti relationship and their strategic partnership, which serves as a model for Arab cooperation.

Rawashdeh underscored the role of culture in preserving Arab identity, promoting awareness, and defending shared values in the face of rapid technological and social changes.

Rawashdeh also highlighted the participation of various Jordanian institutions at the fair, including the Union of Jordanian Publishers, which introduces Jordanian intellectuals and strengthens the Jordanian publishing sector. Other participants include the Greater Amman Municipality, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, and various intellectuals and creatives showcasing their work and the deep cultural ties between Jordan and Kuwait.

The Jordanian pavilion at the fair has been designed to reflect the nation’s architectural and cultural heritage. It features a range of publications from the Ministry of Culture covering literature, science, history, general knowledge, and heritage topics.

Notable works include Al-Maknaz, an encyclopedia of Jordanian popular vocabulary, a series on the Hashemite kings, and numerous creative works in the fields of novel writing, poetry, and critical studies that highlight Jordan's cultural contributions.

//Petra// AJ

20/11/2024 16:18:12