Sultan visits Sharjah stall at London Book Fair
sharjah — His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has said that cultural work requires perseverance, patience and diligence, and this work must be built on a solid base to achieve sustainability.
His remarks came during a meeting with the chief editors of newspapers, and a number of local and international media institutions, during his visit to the Sharjah Pavilion at the 48th edition of London Book Fair.
Sheikh Sultan pointed out that the emirate applied for the ‘World Book Capital’ title eight times before Sharjah was awarded the recognition, noting that in order to succeed in the cultural sector, concerted and determined efforts must be made.
He also noted the emirate’s efforts to serve cultural intellectuals for over 40 years, via several institutions, events and festivals, adding that the successes obtained by Sharjah reflect that of the Arab world, fulfilling messages of cultural cohesion and prowess.
Sheikh Sultan went on to add how the Arab world must take great care in ensuring their ministries of culture thrive, lead by well-informed ministers, and appropriate budget allocations to support social and cultural growth. He praised the UAE’s cultural sector, which is taking a steady step in the right direction, by providing human cadres and advanced urban facilities that contribute towards its advancement.
Sheikh Sultan also addressed a number of geographical and historical topics, which are of special interest to him, pointing out the importance of these topics to better understand the customs, cultures and traditions of the peoples that are vary in their beliefs, ideas and lifestyles.
Accompanied by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Vice-President of the International Publishers Association, Sheikh Sulatan visited the Sharjah pavilion and listened to a brief on the most important titles.
Sheikh Sultan also visited the Emirates Publishers Association’s pavilion, and met a number of the association’s council members, who also reviewed the most important achievements of the association and its future plans. —