Diwan Book Fair opens in Berlin

Arab Cultural House (Al-Diwan) of the Qatar embassy in Germany opened on Friday the Al-Diwan Arabic Book Fair in Berlin, with the participation of 66 publishing houses from several Arab and foreign countries.The three-day fair includes a debate, discussion and intellectual sessions on the key regional and international issues; featuring a lineup of journalists and academics. It will also witness the signing of a number of agreements to strengthen relations between the Diwan and various cultural institutions.Speaking at the opening ceremony, HE Qatar's ambassador to Germany Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed bin Saud al-Thani expressed happiness for the opening the fair which exhibit numerous titles from over 60 publishers.The ambassador noted that expressions like "world literature", "meeting of cultures", and "intercultural discussions" have become a reality that is experienced personally by the visitors and participants of the book fair.He stressed that culture in Qatar has become a strategic choice, as culture and arts are essential elements in achieving Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to move the country towards a knowledge economy that is based on cultural diversity while preserving its identity and traditions.He concluded saying that the book fair is not just a place to buy books, but rather a space to celebrate the intellectual production, and communicate with others who share a love of reading, and at the same time it is a way to support Arab publishers.