Under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Egypt's Minister of Culture, Ahmed Fouad Hano, inaugurated the 56th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair on Thursday. Held at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo, the event is themed "Read... In the Beginning Was the Word" and showcases a diverse array of cultural and literary exhibitions.
The opening ceremony saw a high-profile attendance, including senior officials, public figures, and diplomats from participating countries. Notable attendees included the Ministers of Education, Defense, Civil Aviation, Endowments, and Supply, as well as representatives from Al-Azhar and other cultural institutions.
Dr. Hano, alongside the official delegation, toured the fair’s various pavilions, including the Ministry of Culture’s section, which features an expanded showcase of cultural initiatives. The tour also highlighted the contributions of the Ministry of Defense in promoting national awareness and the role of the Armed Forces in fostering civic pride. The delegation also visited pavilions dedicated to regions such as Halayeb and Shalateen, emphasizing the environmental and cultural diversity of Egypt.
The minister praised the active participation of the Egyptian Armed Forces and their efforts to enhance public awareness and national identity, describing their engagement as a model of collaboration with state institutions.
Simultaneously, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, led the Egyptian delegation at the FITUR 2025 International Tourism Fair in Madrid, Spain. The event, inaugurated by King Felipe VI of Spain, runs until January 26 and is one of the world’s largest tourism expos.
The Egyptian pavilion attracted significant attention, showcasing promotional films and materials highlighting the country’s rich cultural and archaeological heritage. Minister Fathy emphasized that Egypt's participation aligns with the ministry’s vision to position the country as a top global tourism destination, leveraging its unique blend of attractions and diverse tourism offerings.
FITUR is a key event in the Spanish-speaking tourism market and ranks as the third-largest tourism fair worldwide, following Berlin and London. Minister Fathy underscored the importance of Egypt’s presence, citing it as a strategic opportunity to strengthen ties with Spanish and Latin American markets and boost Egypt's global tourism profile.