Thessaloniki - With more than 50 speakers, 16 publishers, three exhibitions, and a rich cultural program, Italy is the Guest of Honor at the 21st Thessaloniki International Book Fair, held at the TIF-Helexpo exhibition center from May 8 to 11. The theme chosen for this year is "Nearby Horizons", which reflects the longstanding shared horizons between the two countries, explored through the powerful tool of dialogue, reflection, mutual understanding, and the continuous exchange of ideas that books represent. This event is made possible thanks to the support of Italian institutions — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation with the Italian Embassy in Athens and the Italian Cultural Institute in Athens, the Ministry of Culture with the Center for Books and Reading, ICE - the Agency for the Promotion of Italian Companies Abroad, and the AIE - Italian Publishers Association in collaboration with the Ex Libris Agency. Italy’s presence at the Thessaloniki Book Fair, the most significant in Greece, will serve as an opportunity for knowledge sharing and promotion of Italian publishing, as well as a new milestone in Italy’s long-standing participation as the Guest of Honor at major international book fairs.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for visibility for Italy in Greece, allowing us to celebrate the tradition of intense cultural exchanges between two countries that have always used literature as a powerful tool for external projection and dialogue. The significant participation of Italian authors and publishers in Thessaloniki highlights the deep mutual interest in culture and publishing between our two countries,” said Paolo Cuculi, Ambassador of Italy to Greece. (9colonne)