New delhi: HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani stated that Qatar's participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair as a guest of honor symbolizes the role of culture and knowledge as conduits for human interaction and underscores the deep ties between Qatar and India.
According to Qatar News Agency, this announcement was made during the Minister's involvement in the opening ceremony of the New Delhi World Book Fair. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including HE Minister of Education of India, Dharmendra Pradhan; HE Minister of Culture of Spain, Ernest Urtasun; HE Ambassador of Qatar to India, Mohammed Hassan Al Jabir; and HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali, along with numerous officials, diplomats, and intellectuals.
HE the Minister of Culture expressed Qatar's pride in being a guest of honor at this international cultural event, which celebrates books as repositories of collective memory and as essential tools for awareness creation and cultural dialogue. He extended his gratitude to the Indian hosts for their warm reception and support for Qatar's participation.
His Excellency emphasized that the participation reflects the strong bilateral relations grounded in mutual respect and a shared belief in the significance of culture and knowledge in connecting people. He noted that investing in knowledge is crucial for societal advancement and the consolidation of development and national security.
HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani also remarked that the New Delhi World Book Fair highlights the pivotal role of books in shaping human awareness and building civilizations, aligning with Qatar's vision to support reading, the publishing industry, and the integration of culture into sustainable development.
HE the Minister of Education of India praised Qatar's role as a guest of honor, emphasizing that it enriches the cultural program of the book fair and enhances cultural and intellectual dialogue between the peoples of India and Qatar.
Additionally, HE the Minister of Culture of Spain noted that the event transcends book displays, providing a dynamic space for the exchange of ideas and expertise, supporting the publishing industry, and promoting reading as a crucial element for creating informed societies capable of facing future challenges.