Damascus: The Ministry of Culture has concluded its participation in the Damascus International Book Fair, held from February 5 to 16 in the Syrian capital, Damascus, where the State of Qatar was the Guest of Honor for this edition.
According to Qatar News Agency, at the fair's conclusion, HE the Syrian Minister of Culture, Mohammed Yassin Saleh, honored the Ministry of Culture for its distinguished participation that enriched the event. Director of the Doha International Book Fair, Jassim Al Buainain, received the honorary shield.
The participation of the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Culture, reflects its commitment to highlighting the Qatari cultural presence on the Arab and international stages. It aimed to introduce local intellectual and literary works to a broad and diverse audience, reflecting Qatar's status as a hub for creativity and a center for cultural and civilizational diversity.
This participation serves as an extension of the State's efforts to support the Arab cultural landscape and strengthen cooperation with cultural institutions and publishing houses.
The Ministry of Culture's pavilion welcomed visitors with a design featuring elements of traditional Qatari architecture, offering a rich and integrated cultural experience alongside a photo exhibition highlighting Doha's aesthetics. The pavilion allowed visitors to explore Qatari culture, view the Ministry's publications, and witness live demonstrations of traditional Qatari handicrafts in an interactive experience reflecting authentic popular heritage.
Additionally, the Ministry participated in the fair's program with several poetry evenings, intellectual lectures, accompanying cultural performances, and panel discussions held within the pavilion.
Director of the Doha International Book Fair, Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, stated that the state's participation as the Guest of Honor at the Damascus International Book Fair represents a significant milestone in the cultural cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Syrian Arab Republic, reflecting the depth of cultural ties between the two countries.
He emphasized that culture remains an effective bridge for civilizational communication and human dialogue between nations.
He added that Qatar's participation in this venerable Arab cultural event embodied its commitment to supporting publishing and knowledge movements, highlighting Qatari intellectual output in literature, poetry, thought, and the arts, and presenting a comprehensive image of Qatar that blends contemporary creativity with ancient cultural heritage.