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Rabat – The 24 Annual International Book Fair (SIEL), was attended by 520,000 visitors, an increase of about 50.72 percent compared to the previous year, said a statement by the ministry of Culture and Communication.
SIEL also brought together over 700 direct and indirect exhibitors representing 45 countries, who showcased more than 125,000 books, 52 percent of which were published in the last three years, the statement said.
Over 791 activities were organized during the 10 days event, including seminars, meetings and signing ceremonies, in addition to a program for children, said the ministry, adding that 1,566 participants representing Morocco as well as Arab and foreign countries took part in this program.
The Book Fair also included thematic conferences on “cinema and literature,” “literature and photography,” and “literature and television series.”
As Egypt was this year’s guest of honor, 2018 edition focused on Moroccan-Egyptian relations, the issues of culture and philosophy as well as the role of Egyptian writer, Jamal El Ghitani.
With the participation of several Egyptian writers, novelists and researchers, the fair also highlighted the characteristics of the Moroccan and Egyptian novelist experience.
Ashraf Ibrahim, Egypt’s ambassador to Morocco, said that the participation of his country in this event reflects the strength of the relations between the two countries.
He recalled that the year 2017 was marked by tributes paid in Egypt to several Moroccan personalities from various backgrounds, in addition to the screening of numerous Moroccan films.
The inauguration ceremony of the International Book Fair of Casablanca was attended by Crown Prince, Hassan II,Morocco’s Minister of Culture and Communication, Mohamed El Aaraj; the Egyptian Minister of Culture, Inas Abdel Dayem; The Egyptian ambassador to Morocco, Ashraf Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim and the Wali of Casablanca-Settat Region and Governor of Casablanca Préfecture, Abdelkebir Zahoud.
