NICOSIA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 8th Nicosia Book Fest, featuring China as the Country of Honor, was inaugurated on Friday.
When addressing the opening ceremony, Zhang Jianchun, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, underscored the notable strides in China-Cyprus relations.
Noting the cultural bonds between the two ancient civilizations, Zhang stressed the importance of cultural exchanges and mutual understanding in the rapidly evolving world.
Cypriot Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou expressed her pleasure for having China as the country of honor at the fest. She highlighted the enduring diplomatic and cultural ties between Cyprus and China that span over five decades, and underscored the significance of the event's role in promoting literature, knowledge, and love for reading across all age groups in Cyprus.
Menelaos Menelaou, president of the Board of Directors of the Promitheas Research Institute, highlighted the role of the festival as a cornerstone event that attracts visitors, bookshops, publishers, and literary talents.
