Оn May 25, the International Book Fair opened in Warsaw. The Ukrainian stand is presented at the fair under the slogan “Millions of Bridges”. Approximately 45 publishing houses are representing Ukraine at the fair.
Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, delivered a video address to the guests. Furthermore, Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, participated in the opening ceremony.
The stand was prepared by the Ukrainian Book Institute jointly with co-organizers and partners, namely: the International Book Fair in Warsaw, History and Culture Foundation, Polish Book Institute, Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland, Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Poland, Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
Oleksandr Tkachenko, Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, addressed the guests of the event and expressed his gratitude to the Polish friends for their support in all areas.
“We are sincerely grateful to Poland for generously hosting hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians. When our exhausted citizens were compelled to cross the border, they were welcomed, supported and continue to be supported, both physically and spiritually. Ukrainian books are now rapidly emerging on the bookshelves in Poland, thanks in large to the book initiatives of First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, which have received sincere support at all levels from our friendly country,” said Oleksandr Tkachenko.
The Ukrainian Minister noted that Ukraine had already had over 1,400 libraries, cultural centres, art schools and museums destroyed or damaged by russians, along with more than 580 architectural monuments and 270 religious objects. Several museums have been looted as well. Thus, Ukrainian culture is in great need of support like never before.
“Reading Ukrainian literature has become a trend. I call on our international partners to support buying rights to books by Ukrainian authors, to translate and read Ukrainian works and about Ukraine,” emphasised Oleksandr Tkachenko.
To remind, the Warsaw fair attracts over 90,000 visitors from different countries annually, with over 500 exhibitors taking part. The programme includes approximately 200 professional events.