The Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication in Morocco announced the organization of the 28th International Exhibition of Publishing and Book in Rabat in June, with the participation of local and international publishing houses from 51 countries. Minister Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid stated in a press conference today, Friday, that the Canadian province of Quebec will be the "Guest of Honor" for this edition, a decision that was made prior to his assuming office, "in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Moroccan-Canadian diplomatic relations."
He pointed out that the exhibition moved to Rabat from Casablanca, where it had been held annually, while the latter will also host an international fair for youth and children's books, as "it is unreasonable for a city the size of Casablanca to remain without a fair." The exhibition will take place from June 1 to June 11, with a 17% increase in space compared to last year, an increase in the number of pavilions, and the introduction of online booking to reduce congestion at ticket counters.
A total of 661 local and foreign writers, thinkers, and poets will participate in the activities and events of the exhibition, with a special section dedicated to African culture and literature that was the guest of honor in the previous edition. Among the prominent guests expected to attend is Nigerian writer and Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka, awarded in 1986. The International Exhibition of Publishing and Book was first held in 1987 and welcomed over 200,000 visitors last year.
