Peter Dettmar, the Deputy Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Belarus, believes that culture and arts unite us. He stresses that culture should be viewed separately from politics and that culture and arts should bring us together rather than dividing us. He hopes to see our ties extend and grow, emphasising that participation in Minsk’s trade fair will greatly contribute to this.
The German diplomat is confident that Belarus and Germany boast huge potential for co-operation in book publishing and translations. Being an honorary guest at the Minsk exposition, Germany aims to promote interaction in these areas. Mr. Dettmar is convinced that Belarusian and German specialists will propose interesting new initiatives and projects for joint realisation during the event.
Germany plans to present over 700 books, released by 250 publishing houses, at the 18th Minsk International Book Fair. The country is to share its rich inventory under the slogan ‘Germany: Wealth of Colours and Flowers’ at its 250 sq.m stand. The major topic of the German stand will be Solar Prospects. Green Architecture; it is a theme also acute for Belarus, according to Mr. Dettmar.
A wide variety of editions are to go on show, including new releases and several German classics translated into Belarusian. Beautifully illustrated editions from Germany will be also displayed, as well as comics and children’s books. Teenage fiction, books exploring human rights, editions teaching the German language, and those dedicated to country studies, art and design are to be displayed. Books devoted to Herta Muller, the winner of the 2009 Nobel Prize for Literature, are also to go on display.
