Damascus book exhibition opens today

Under the patronage of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, the 15th Arab book exhibition will open today.

It is organized by al-Assad library at its premises on September 15 through 25. Some 406 publication houses from 12 Arab states are taking part. They are Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, and Morocco, as well as representatives for foreign publication houses from Spain, the US, Iran, Britain, Russia and France.

Taking part in the exhibition are the following regional and international organizations: the Arab League, the Manuscripts Institute, the Syrian Red Crescent Society, the Arab World Institute, ALECSO (The Arab League Education, Cultural and Scientific Organization).

One stand is allotted for computers, in which some 13 agencies are taking part. The exhibition board has prepared some 263 pavilions to display the books in an increase of 37 pavilions over the figures of 1998. Some 35 book titles will be exhibited. On the sidelines of the exhibition, several cultural activities including research reports and seminars will be held with the participation of Arab writers and intellectuals from Tunisia, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt.