President Klaus Iohannis considers that by inviting the Republic of Moldova as a guest of honor to Bookfest Bucharest 2024, the fair promotes language and literature unity as an expression of a shared cultural space.
„I appreciate the initiative of the Romanian Publishers Association, which is yet another proof that Romania is and will remain on all levels the most dedicated supporter of the European path of the Republic of Moldova, of its accession to the space of peace and prosperity the European Union is,” the head of the state wrote in the message conveyed at the opening of the 17th Bookfest Fair, which takes place May 29 through June 2, under the Presidency’s high patronage.
Iohannis expressed his hope that the fair will contribute to increasing public interest in books, literature and reading.
„I am happy to welcome to Bucharest the writers and publishing houses from the Republic of Moldova, a country we share culture and traditions with, and which values the cultivation of the Romanian language. Cultural dialogue creates bridges that bring peoples closer together and helps states strengthen their cooperation. Bookfest has built itself a solid reputation as a literary and professional agora, enabling authors, publishers and translators to meet universal culture personalities, and the Romanian book to gain visibility throughout the world,” he emphasized.
„The Moldovan citizens deserve to enjoy all the benefits of belonging to the big European family, as a natural consequence of their committing to the democratic values, which, despite the vicissitudes of history, have inspired an original and valuable contemporary literary creation, enriching our common cultural treasure and growing its prestige in Europe and throughout the world,” said Klaus Iohannis.
„Through the development of relations between publishing houses and by enhancing solidarity between creators and the readerships on both banks of the Prut, the Bookfest 2024 International Book Fair represents an important expression of our deep connection with the Republic of Moldova in this particularly difficult period,” the president concludes.
The motto of this year’s edition of Bookfest is „Enfolding you”, a multi-layered equivalent of the phrase „I embrace you”, used in Moldova.
AGERPRES
