Qatari Ambassador: Qatar's participation as guest of honor at Kuwait International Book Fair reflects deep bilateral ties and enhances cultural exchange

Kuwait – Ali Al Mahmoud, Qatar’s Ambassador to Kuwait, affirmed that his country’s participation as guest of honor at the 49th edition of the Kuwait International Book Fair represents an opportunity to celebrate the deep, fraternal, and historical ties between the two brotherly nations, and to strengthen cooperation and cultural exchange between them. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion of Qatar’s participation as guest of honor at the fair, scheduled to run from November 18 to 28, Ambassador Al Mahmoud said that this participation reflects the robustness of the entrenched relations between the two countries, which are rooted in close historical bonds between their peoples. He added that this involvement also demonstrates the understanding and coordination between the leaderships of both nations, as well as their shared commitment to elevating bilateral relations to broader horizons.

He praised Kuwait’s leading cultural stature and its enduring contributions to enriching the Arab cultural landscape, noting that it was among the pioneering countries in supporting publishing, printing, and translation movements. He emphasized that Kuwait’s cultural institutions and literary publications have, over decades, helped build bridges of cultural communication between the Gulf states and the wider Arab world. He pointed out that the Kuwait International Book Fair ranks among the foremost cultural events that embody this pioneering role, having become, through its successive editions, an annual meeting point for readers, researchers, and publishers, and a platform for cultural convergence, exchange of ideas, and exposure to the latest intellectual and literary publications.

He clarified that Qatar is keen on active participation in this cultural forum, driven by its belief in the fair’s mission and role in enhancing cultural and intellectual dynamism, and by its appreciation of Kuwait’s place in the hearts of the Qatari people. He noted that Qatar’s participation in this edition carries special significance, as it offers an opportunity to showcase the Qatari cultural experience and its development and prosperity under the state’s national vision, with a focus on the leadership’s emphasis on human capital, knowledge, and creativity.

He indicated that Qatar’s participation would not be limited to displaying books, publications, and literary and intellectual works, but would present a comprehensive picture of the diverse and rich Qatari cultural scene through a series of events and activities highlighting Qatar’s history, civilization, and national identity. He explained that the Qatari pavilion would serve as a window to introduce Qatari cultural and literary production, the contributions of Qatari writers and thinkers, and to provide the public and interested parties with access to literary, intellectual, and heritage experiences in Qatar, underscoring the importance of culture as a fundamental pillar of comprehensive development and the building of a knowledge-based society.

He expressed his country’s hope that this participation would contribute to strengthening cultural exchange between the two nations, opening new avenues for cooperation among cultural institutions, publishers, and writers, and encouraging joint initiatives that would enrich the cultural movement in both brotherly countries.

Ambassador Al Mahmoud extended his gratitude to Kuwait, its leadership, government, and people, as well as to the organizers of the fair, for their efforts in ensuring the success of this cultural event and for providing Qatar the opportunity to participate as guest of honor. He wished the fair continued success and prosperity, and called for further flourishing of the Arab cultural landscape. (End) N.M.A. / A.M.H.