BEIJING — The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission and the China National Publications Import and Export Group signed a contract, under which Saudi Arabia will be the guest of honor at the Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF) 2024. The 30th BIBF, the second largest book fair in the world, will be held at the China National Convention Center from June 19 to 23 this year. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah, the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission CEO Dr. Muhammad Hasan Alwan, and the China National Publications Import and Export Group CEO Li Hongwen. This move comes as part of the efforts of Saudi Arabia and China to continue cultural communication between the two countries, and to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation in the fields of literature, culture and arts, which enhances intercultural dialogue and deepens friendship and cooperation between the two countries. During its participation in the fair, Saudi Arabia will present an integrated cultural experience, led by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, with the participation of a number of bodies and entities within the cultural system, to shed light on the heritage and the rich knowledge and cultural diversity of the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia's participation in the fair will also witness the presentation of diverse cultural programs, which include seminars, dialogue sessions, workshops and artistic performances that cover several domains of culture, art, literature and knowledge. A group of Saudi writers and publishing houses will introduce national innovations and evoke the ancient Saudi culture. It is noteworthy that Saudi Arabia was the guest of honor at the New Delhi World Book Fair held in the Indian capital from February 10 to 18 this year. The Kingdom's pavilion at the fair drew record number of visitors, paving the way for the Indian public to know much closer about the Saudi culture, arts and heritage in an integrated cultural experience led by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission. Saudi Arabia is expected to be the guest of honor at the Seoul International Book Fair, which is scheduled to be held between June 26 and 30. Beijing International Book Fair, which was founded in 1986, attracts more than 2600 exhibitors from over 100 countries and regions every year. BIBF has become a large-scale international publishing exchange event covering books, digital, animation and other industries. This annual event attracts thousands of visitors from various sectors each year and serves as a crucial platform for the international exchange of books and literature.
