During his visit to the international section of the fair on May 8, Salehi engaged with publishers and cultural representatives from various countries, exploring the latest trends in publishing and cultural exchanges.

In his remarks, Salehi underlined the importance of the fair in fostering closer cultural ties.

He pointed to Iraq’s prominent participation as a guest of honor this year, emphasizing the deep historical, religious, and cultural connections between the two nations.

“Iraq’s presence is a milestone in our bilateral relations, offering a valuable opportunity for cooperation in publishing, translation, and cultural exchange,” he said.

Salehi also visited the Russian, Omani, Turkish, Yemeni, and other international booths, where he discussed mutual cultural interests and the potential for joint projects.

Particularly, he commended Russia’s ongoing engagement, praising their active role in the fair over the years. “Russia’s participation fosters increased cultural dialogue, with both countries showcasing contemporary works in translation,” he noted.

The minister’s visit to Oman was equally significant, where he reaffirmed the longstanding cultural ties between Iran and Oman. “Our book fair is a key avenue to strengthen this bond,” he said.

The fair also witnessed discussions on the growing presence of African countries, with Kenya positioned as a gateway to East Africa’s cultural sector.

Salehi expressed interest in translating African literature into Persian, emphasizing the role of books in building bridges across continents.

Also, the Russian Book Union is hosting over 80 cultural events in conjunction with the fair, marking its tenth consecutive participation.

“This year, we are presenting 550 titles and organizing diverse activities to foster deeper ties between Russian and Iranian writers, publishers, and translators,” said Arezoo Ashtijoo, a representative of the Russian Book Union.

These events span across Tehran and several other Iranian cities, aiming to promote the Russian language and culture.

In a related development, the head of the Tehran International Book Fair, Mohammad Javadi, met with the Saudi Ambassador to Iran, Abdullah bin Saud Al-Anzi, on May 8.

Javadi extended an invitation for Saudi Arabia to be the guest of honor at next year’s fair, a move aimed at strengthening cultural relations between the two nations. During the meeting, both sides agreed on the importance of focusing on shared cultural aspects, noting that literature could be a powerful tool in fostering mutual understanding.

“Cultural ties are strengthening between our countries, and we hope to build on this momentum in future fairs,” Javadi added.

The 36th Tehran International Book Fair runs from May 7 to 17, 2025, under the theme “Read for Iran,” providing a digital platform for non-attendees to purchase books online.