Egyptian Minister of Culture; Dr. Shakir Abdul Hamid, accompanied by Tunisian Minister of Culture; Dr. Mehdi Mabrouk, have opened the UAE pavilion at the 43rd Cairo International Book Fair, which launched on Sunday, June 22, 2012.
The opening ceremony was attended by a number of intellectuals, media personalities, and leading novelists and writers; including Head of the Egyptian Publishers' Union; Mohammed Rashad, and Head of the Tunisian Publishers' Union; Al Nouri Obaid. It is worth mentioning that Tunisia is the guest of honor at this year's Cairo International Book Fair; which sees the participation of 745 publishers from 17 Arab countries and 12 foreign countries.
Commenting on the Book Fair, Dr. Shaker Abdul Hamid said that it is the first major cultural event held after the revolution. Moreover, he welcomed Tunis as the guest of honor of the Book Fair, saying that its presence in this event is considered an honor for Egypt. On the other hand, Tunisian Minister of Culture; Dr. Mehdi Mabrouk said: "We are very proud that Tunis is the guest of honor, and the Tunisian revolution could not have spread out if it were not for Egypt's support and its great momentum."
The Cairo International Book Fair hosts two art exhibitions that feature a group of artists involved in the 25th of January revolution, as well as a great number of seminars on current issues.
Furthermore, the Egyptian Minister of Culture praised Arab participation in the Book Fair, and stressed that the launch of the event this year was different in light of the new spirit that is manifested on all levels.