The language of peace is clear without any translation

A new tradition was born at the 30th Minsk International Book Fair

This year, a whole literary and diplomatic district was ‘erected’ at the country’s largest book presentation. The new project, which, most likely, will become traditional, was called the International Quarter. And if earlier foreign guests of the exhibition shared their seats around the entire perimeter of the site, now they have been provided with a permanent residence permit within the same district. A large review of literary novelties and book achievements of all friends and partners of Belarus, an example of open international co-operation and a platform for dialogue — this is the International Quarter.

Diplomacy in action

The main difference between the Minsk International Book Exhibition and other similar literary forums has always been its predominantly business, rather than fair character. Today, the bias towards international friendship and communication is especially clearly dictated by the time, said the Belarusian Information Minister Vladimir Pertsov, opening the International Quarter, “In our country, 2023 has been declared by the President the Year of Peace and Creation. The book is the source of what brings peace, goodness and love. This year the exhibition features 438 exhibitors from 19 countries, including Belarus. 194 exhibitors came from near and far abroad countries. We hope that the International Quarter project will become a tradition for us.”
Russia and China, Turkey and Turkmenistan, Cuba and Iran, Syria and Venezuela — the list of participants of the fair is getting bigger every year. But this is not a one-way game: domestic writers and book publishers are just as warmly and cordially received as guests by our international partners. As a result, there is an increase in the volume of translated literature. Moreover, not only do we offer our own authors, but also foreign writers, publicists and poets come to us. In particular, general book publishing achievements were discussed at the opening of the International Quarter. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Sergei Aleinik.
He noted that the International Quarter is a completely new format, thanks to which the heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Belarus had the opportunity to brightly, diversify and creatively present the literature of their countries at the exhibition. 


Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Nazarguly Shagulyev personally conducted a mini-tour of the pavilion for colleagues and journalists. Richly illustrated popular science literature is side by side with serious monographs and country guides. You can buy both. 
“It is always a pleasure to meet with poets, book publishers and readers at this site in Minsk. Last year, 13 states took part in the exhibition, this year there are already 19. This is a good sign. After all, the book is the bearer of the world. And if there is peace on earth, we will understand all the books without translation,” Ambassador noted.

By Yuliana Leonovich
Photos by Aleksandr Gorbash