Doha, February 02 (QNA) - The Ministry of Culture announced Qatar's participation in the Damascus International Book Fair, scheduled to take place from February 5 to 16 in the Syrian capital, Damascus, with the State of Qatar named Guest of Honor for this year's edition.

The Ministry said Qatar's participation reflects its commitment to strengthening its cultural presence at the Arab and international levels and introducing Qatari intellectual and literary production to a wide and diverse audience. The participation also underscores Qatar's position as a hub for creativity and a center for cultural and civilizational diversity.

The Ministry added that this participation comes as part of the State's broader efforts to support the Arab cultural landscape and enhance cooperation with cultural institutions and publishing houses, while reaffirming its commitment to promoting cultural exchange and openness to Arab intellectual experiences, thereby fostering dialogue among creators, publishers, and cultural stakeholders.

Qatar is participating through a dedicated pavilion inspired by traditional Qatari architecture, offering visitors a comprehensive cultural experience. The pavilion features a photo exhibition highlighting the beauty of Doha, in addition to displays introducing Qatari culture and the Ministry of Culture's publications. Visitors can also attend live demonstrations of traditional Qatari handicrafts, providing an interactive experience that reflects the authenticity of Qatari folk heritage.

The Ministry is also taking part in the fair's cultural program with a series of seminars, intellectual lectures, poetry readings, folk performances, and discussion panels held within the Qatari pavilion.

In this context, Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture and Director of the Doha International Book Fair, said the Ministry is pleased to participate as Guest of Honor at the Damascus International Book Fair.

He expressed pride in this selection, noting that it reflects the depth of cultural relations between Qatar and the Syrian Arab Republic, and affirms culture as an effective bridge for civilizational communication and human dialogue.

Al Buainain added that Qatar's participation embodies its commitment to supporting the publishing and knowledge movement, showcasing Qatari intellectual output in literature, poetry, thought, and the arts, and enhancing the presence of Qatari culture in Arab cultural forums.

He explained that the Qatari pavilion's design draws inspiration from traditional Qatari architecture, reflecting national identity and expressing a connection between past and present through a blend of authenticity and contemporary innovation. He noted that the pavilion goes beyond displaying books and publications, offering visitors an integrated cultural experience that highlights the diversity of Qatar's cultural landscape.

Al Buainain noted the Qatari participation features a wide-ranging cultural program that includes intellectual seminars and lectures, performances by the Qatari folk group, and live demonstrations of traditional crafts reflecting Qatar's cultural heritage.

He concluded by emphasizing that this participation reflects the Ministry of Culture's ongoing commitment to supporting the Arab cultural scene, strengthening cooperation with cultural institutions and publishing houses, and presenting a comprehensive image of Qatar that combines modern creativity with a rich cultural heritage. (QNA)