Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh participated as guest of honor in the opening ceremony of the Erbil International Book Fair, which opened yesterday under the patronage and in the presence of former Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani.

The ceremony was attended by Kurdistan Regional Government Minister of Culture and Youth Mohammed Saeed Ali, Erbil Governor Omed Abdulrahman Hassan, and a large gathering of political figures and cultural and literary personalities.

In his address, Salameh underscored the importance of books and reading in fostering critical thinking and promoting dialogue among cultures.

He also highlighted the role of book fairs in supporting the publishing industry, facilitating cultural exchange and strengthening cultural ties.