Romania Named Guest of Honor at 2026 CIBF, Showcases Literary Heritage

Romania is set to exhibit its rich literary heritage, in addition to its deep cultural ties with Egypt, as the Guest of Honor at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair.

This participation will also mark 120 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In this context, the Romanian Embassy in Cairo has released a special press dossier underscoring Romania’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and people-to-people dialogue.

Romania’s Ambassador to Egypt, Olivia Toderean, stated that the Cairo International Book Fair is the most important cultural event in the Arab world and Africa, emphasizing Romania’s efforts to promote its literature on a global scale.

“Romania is working to promote its literature across borders and to strengthen its presence on the international cultural scene,” Toderean said.

She noted that through books, authors, ideas, and shared history, Romania and Egypt reaffirm their long-standing friendship and mutual commitment to cultural diplomacy.

Therefore, Romania’s program at the fair includes 30 events and 60 guests, with a strong focus on contemporary literature, translation, and cultural dialogue. 

The main theme of the program is titled “Books for Friends: From the Danube to the Nile," a cultural journey celebrating literature, translation, dialogue, and the bonds between the peoples of the two nations.

The official opening of the Romanian pavilion is scheduled for January 22, with the participation of prominent writers including Tatiana Țîbuleac, Ioana Pârvulescu, Denisa Comănescu, Matei Vișniec, Varujan Vosganian, Bogdan-Alexandru Stănescu, Cătălin Pavel, and Radu Vancu.

Toderean added that the program will feature discussions, book launches, and performances of traditional Romanian music. 

It will also include the launch of Arabic translations, professional meetings between publishers, academic events, a dedicated children’s program, the photo exhibition “The Hidden Beauty of Romania,” as well as traditional Romanian music and dance performances.

Romania will also take part in the forum “Cairo: Intersecting Voices 2,” a platform for artistic dialogue and international cooperation.

The ambassador explained that the press dossier offers journalists, partners, and cultural stakeholders a comprehensive overview of Romania’s participation as Guest of Honor, highlighting the vision, key messages, and flagship events shaping Romania’s presence at this year’s fair, with the aim of sharing the story of friendship between the two countries.