CAIRO, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inaugurated on Wednesday the 55th Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) hosting 1,200 publishers and 5,250 exhibitors from 70 countries, the Egyptian cabinet said in a statement.
Held from Jan. 24 to Feb. 6 under the slogan of "We Create Knowledge, We Preserve the Word," the 55th CIBF will be open to the public on Thursday.
"This event is one of the most important bridges connecting the Egyptian culture with other Arab and international cultures," said the Egyptian prime minister, adding that the fair also represents an extension of Egypt's enlightening cultural role and influence.
Minister of Culture Neveen Al-Kilany said during the inauguration ceremony that despite the global difficult conditions, the fair this year managed to attract 1,200 publishers, 153 more than the previous edition, with Norway as its guest of honor.
The fair is held on an area of 80,000 square meters including five large exhibition halls at Egypt International Exhibition Center, according to the culture minister.
CIBF will include this year a cultural program with dozens of activities including seminars and conferences with the participation of authors, publishers, poets, intellectuals, and other figures.
Established in 1969, CIBF is one of the largest and oldest book fairs in the Middle East.
