The Embassy of Spain announced its participation in the 52nd edition of the Cairo International Book Fair in Egypt, which will take place at the International Exhibitions Centre in New Cairo, between 30 June and 15 July, this year.

Spain is participating in this important cultural event to strengthen its connection with Egyptian and Arab publishers, taking into account Egypt's pioneering role in the book industry in the Arab world. Egypt is also a centre for Arabic translation and dissemination of books written in foreign languages.

The Ambassador of Spain in Egypt, Ramon Gil Casares, will attend the inauguration of the book fair. On this occasion, he will present to the Egyptian authorities, two representative books of Hispanic-Egyptian cooperation: the First Spanish-Arabic Soccer Dictionary published by the Instituto Cervantes and La Liga, and the Guidebook of the exhibition on ‘Hassan Fathy, against the current’ which is showcased at the Spanish foundation Casa Árabe in Madrid and Córdoba.

Apart from the on-site involvement, Spain is also contributing to the online cultural activities of the fair which will be broadcasted throughout the duration of the fair. These activities include an interview with the internationally renowned Spanish author María Dueñas, conducted by the Egyptian journalist and Hispanist Ahmed Abdulatif; as well as a talk with two eminent figures of Arab studies: Spanish Arabist Pedro Martínez Montávez and Specialist in Folklore and Popular Arabic Literature Ahmed Morsy.

Spain is contributing to this important cultural event — that enjoys a significant outreach in Egypt and among Arab countries — in order to highlight the importance of the Spanish language and culture around the world. 

The Spanish language is increasingly present in Egyptian public universities as well as private ones. Its teaching is supported by the Instituto Cervantes of Cairo and Alexandria, which plays a fundamental role in spreading the Spanish language in Egypt. Egyptian youth are very interested in everything related to Spain and its culture.