Sharjah 24: Cultural exchanges through the power of written words between France and Sharjah were in focus on the opening day, November 2, of the 41st edition of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) at Expo Centre Sharjah.
His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), received and welcomed Nathalie Kennedy, Consul-General of France in the UAE, during her visit to the book fair where they highlighted the role of book fairs in building bonds between cultures and instilling a culture of reading.
The SBA Chairman said: “SIBF has been recognised as the world’s largest book fair for the second time in a row and we are collaborating with more worldwide publishers to bring in as many titles as possible to the UAE. We have special interest in French language and literature which have a rich legacy and history, and we are keen on promoting translations that tell stories of French culture that will resonate with audiences in the Arab world.”
Al Ameri also highlighted the impact of SIBF among the French-speaking African nations. “Libraries across the world, particularly in the African continent, turn to SIBF to look at new topics and titles for their shelves. This annual fair acts as the perfect choice for publishers to address the French-speaking communities in that part of the world.”
With 15 publishers from France participating at SIBF 2022, the French Consul-General said: “We are keen to identify Arabic books that can act as cultural bridges and the book fair is an opportunity for readers to get a taste of French literature.”
She added: “Through SIBF each year, we aim to build partnerships with Arab language publishers.”
The two officials reaffirmed their solidarity to enhance their relationship through cross-cultural communications to promote literature.
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