The 55th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair (CIB) witnessed a large public turnout, with up to 207,414 visitors since the event began on Thursday, lasting until February 6.
Families flocked from across the country as soon as the doors opened even despite low temperatures.
Culture Minister Neveen al-Kilany praised the outstanding turnout, embodying how much the Egyptian populace values knowledge and the positive effects that culture and arts have on the consciences of their children – something that can be built upon for an advanced society.
This is a promising start to the current session of the fair, the ministry added, which will likely be exceptional in terms of interest and public momentum owing to the volume of diverse cultural and artistic services provided by the exhibition.
She stressed the ministry’s keenness to culturally enlighten as many people as it can.
The children’s section at the exhibition witnessed many artistic and historical storytelling workshops. It also introduced many programs this year, and the National Center for Children’s Culture participates with a range of different activities.
The General Supervisor of the Children’s section, Mohamed Nassef, said that three basic programs were prepared throughout the fair period – “Supporting and Nurturing Talent,” “Promoting Positive Values in Children,” and “Combating Ideas of Extremism and Terrorism.”
He also referred to another program, “Meetings with an Editor-in-Chief,” which involves holding meetings with a group of editor-in-chiefs from various newspapers, magazines, and literary series.
The National Center for Childhood and Motherhood, and Ministries of Environment, Communications, Education, and Youth and Sports each offer different workshop and activities.
Norway’s ambassador to Cairo, Hilde Klemetsdal, praised her country’s participation as a guest of honor in the CIB this year and stressed the depth of relations with Egypt in all fields including culture,
Klemetsdal said that Princess Mette-Marit, the wife of the Crown Prince of Norway, participated in the opening of the 55th session of the fair, and the opening of the Norwegian section with Kilany – an important event that reflects the strength and durability of Egyptian-Norwegian relations in all fields, especially cultural.
