Algerian Minister of Culture and Arts Hosts Delegation of Arab and African Publishers

The delegation included prominent figures such as Mohamed Rashad, the President of the Association of Arab Publishers, and Bachart Chebaro, its Secretary-General. Additionally, Jabr Abu Fares, the President of the Union of Jordanian Publishers, Almaki Salami, the President of the Mauritanian Society of Publishing and Distribution, and Ahmed Madi, President of the National Union of Book Publishers (SNEL), joined the minister, alongside a host of other publishers and writers.

In her welcoming address, Minister Mouloudji praised the active participation of all the publishers in the Sila, emphasizing its significance as a cultural institution. She noted that, despite the suspension of festive activities in solidarity with the Palestinian people, Algeria, under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, remained committed to the Book Fair. The President’s decision reflects the vital role of literature in cultural resistance.

Mouloudji expressed her appreciation for the special tribute organized by the fair for Palestine, which provides a platform for intellectuals, creators, and fair participants to demonstrate their solidarity with the Palestinian cause during these challenging times.

The Minister underlined that Sila represents a precious opportunity to forge new cultural connections between African and Arab nations in the realm of literature and cultural exchange. She reminded the audience of Algeria’s long-standing commitment to its African and Arab expansion, particularly in the field of culture.

In this context, Minister Mouloudji announced a significant international event taking place this year in the city of Adrar, titled “Adrar, the Capital of African Culture.” She called for increased coordination and dialogue to strengthen cultural exchanges in the field of literature between Arab and African states.

Mohamed Rashad, President of the Union of Arab Publishers, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Arab publishing houses. He commended President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for his special interest in books and publishing, recalling the President’s decision in the previous edition to provide free stands for publishers.

Rashad also praised Minister Mouloudji’s efforts in promoting the Algerian book industry and supporting cultural initiatives that enhance cultural cooperation between Arab and African states. He emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to transform Sila into a continental meeting point, facilitating exchanges that serve the Arab and African literary worlds.

The meeting between the Algerian Minister of Culture and Arts and the heads of publishing organizations from the Arab and African world presented an opportunity to address various issues concerning the reality of publishing and literature in these regions. The discussions also centered on ways to enhance cooperation, cultural exchanges, co-publishing, and the facilitation of participation in international book fairs across Africa and the Arab world.