Cyprus returns to Frankfurt Book Fair after long absence

Deputy Minister of Culture Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou attended the opening of the 75th Frankfurt International Book Fair, with Cyprus participating for the first time after a long absence.

The island is participating through the Cyprus Publishers Association.

According to the Deputy Ministry, representatives from Cypriot publishing companies had the opportunity to present locally produced books at the Fair, which is considered the most important event in the publishing world, taking place between 16 and 19 October 2023.

It is added that the Deputy Ministry of Culture decided to support the participation of the Cyprus Publishers Association in this event, covering a large part of the costs associated with the presentation of the national pavilion of Cyprus and the Cypriot participation in general.

It is also noted that, in addition to the Frankfurt Book Fair, the Deputy Ministry of Culture is promoting the presence of Cypriot publishing companies at important International Book Fairs, in the context of enhancing the extroversion of contemporary Cypriot culture, but also that of cultural diplomacy.

According to the statement, during her presence in Frankfurt, Kassianidou had a meeting with the Minister of Federal and European Affairs of the State of Hesse, Lucia Puttrich, during which they discussed issues related to cooperation in cultural matters with the State of Hesse, as well as possible initiatives that could strengthen bilateral relations on European cultural policy issues.

The Deputy Minister also met with the Slovenian Minister of Culture, Dr Asta Vrecko, with whom she exchanged views on the New EU Agenda for Culture, as well as on the planning of events and actions to be undertaken during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026.

In the framework of the International Fair, the Deputy Minister of Culture visited the National Pavilion of Greece and also met her Greek counterpart Christos Dimas, with whom she exchanged views on issues within their respective areas of responsibility, with a view to continuing discussions on the development of synergies in the field of culture.

Furthermore, Kassianidou held successive meetings with the Director of the Archaeological Museum of Frankfurt, Dr Wolfgang David, as well as with the President and Director of the Frankfurt Book Fair, Dr Jürgen Boos, the statement concludes.