Minister: Book helps develop cultural ties, science
Books provide an opportunity for scientific development and cultural relations, said Iran’s culture minister.
In a statement at the closing ceremony of the 31st Tehran International Book Fair on Wednesday, Abbas Salehi said that the fair is the biggest cultural and social event from different perspectives since no event is able to attract such a large number of visitors in a 10-day time span, IRNA reported.
Based on figures, over half a million individuals visited the fair only on Thursday and Friday, he said.
The official appreciated Iran’s First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri for creating conditions for the participation of international publishers in the event.
The 31st Tehran International Book Fair opened May 2 and will ended on May 12. This year the fair promoted the motto ‘No to Not Reading Books’. Books and culture are the best means of bringing nations closer, said the Purchasing Manager of German Book Wholesaler ‘KNV’.
Markus Fels told IRNA at the 31st Tehran International Book Fair (May 2-12), “It was in 2015 that I was in Tehran for the first time, but it’s the first time I’m in Tehran Book Fair. I have never seen such huge event.”
Elaborating on the role of cultural transmission in solving regional problems, he said, “I think at the moment it is very important to have cultural standards very high and it is necessary to talk.”
He added, “Books and culture are the best media to get the chance to talk to each other.”
On a question about Iranian culture, he said, “I like it very much because the Iranian culture has really high standards and I’m astonished that the people know about European culture.”
He concluded, “Iranian people are more informed about their own history.”