Damascus, February 05 (QNA) - The Damascus International Book Fair began today in Damascus. This year's theme is "a history we write...a history we read."

The book fair was inaugurated by HE President of the Syrian Arab Republic Ahmed Al Sharaa, HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE Minister of Culture of Syria Mohammed Yassin Saleh in the attendance of Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Syria Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, and several of Their Excellencies ministers and ambassadors in Syria.

The Ministry of Culture is participating in the book fair, which runs to Feb. 16, in a bid to enhance cultural and intellectual communication and promote its own electronic library.

In this regard, Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture and Director of the Doha International Book Fair Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain told Qatar News Agency that the Ministry was keen to participate in the fair and present its own intellectual work. He said that choosing the State of Qatar as the guest of honor for this year's edition highlights the strong cultural ties between the two countries.

He added that the participation of the Ministry of Culture in the fair involves showcasing its wide variety of publications in various genres like novels, law, social sciences, children's books, and many others. He said that the participation will also involve sharing the ministry's initiatives to encourage reading.

He said that the pavilion will include a section for Qatari books. The ministry prepared a book especially for this year's event, about the sacrifices of the Syrian people as seen by the country's intellectuals. Al Buainain said that the pavilion will extend beyond merely presenting books to offer a full Qatar cultural experience that includes arts and traditional crafts, as well as a photography exhibition showcasing Qatar's landmarks and environment. He noted that the ministry will also hold seminars and poetry events, as well as events dedicated especially to kids.

More than 500 publishing houses from 35 countries are participating in this year's edition. The Damascus International Book Fair will hold more than 650 different cultural events. (QNA)