Romanian Minister of Culture Andras Istvan Demeter Monday hailed naming his country the guest of honor of the 2026 Cairo International Book Fair as a “profound” honor.
Romanian Minister also mentioned that this honor coincides with several major cultural milestones taking place in Egypt, most notably the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s largest cultural institutions.
He explained that this selection underscores Romania’s position as a trusted partner in Egypt’s evolving cultural, intellectual, and creative landscape.
Cultural diplomacy and shared values
In an exclusive interview with the Middle East News Agency (MENA) on Monday, the Romanian minister praised Egypt’s pivotal role not only as a political player but also as a vibrant cultural center, situated at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. He noted that Romania holds this role in high esteem and that their cultural presence at the Book Fair represents a celebration and reaffirmation of their long-standing partnership with Egypt.
He stated that soft diplomacy is most effective when it is based on genuine cultural ties, shared values, and even universality. He emphasized that Romania, as the guest of honor at the exhibition, is gaining a platform within Egypt’s vibrant cultural scene through literature, visual arts, music, cinema, heritage studies, and academic dialogue.
He added that soft diplomacy allows Romania to present its identity as a nation and how it engages with the world, particularly with its partners in the region. He noted that Egypt’s strategic location gives cultural diplomacy a significant impact by disseminating ideas, books, and artistic expressions widely through Cairo’s intellectual networks, and even beyond Egypt’s borders.
He considered the Cairo International Book Fair, as one of the world’s largest book fairs, a natural catalyst for cultural diplomacy and a literary symbol of Egypt’s role in the region and the world. Therefore, Romania, in a first for the Arab world, seeks to engage with the fair as a gateway to reach the hearts of Egyptians, aiming to strengthen people-to-people ties between Egypt, the region, and Romania, and to pave the way for new literary and artistic projects between the two countries.
“I extend a strong invitation to Egyptian writers, publishers, and literary figures to explore similar events in Romania and to continue building this vital bridge in 2026 through our strong presence here in Cairo. I would even venture to say that culture has always been the most enduring bridge between Egypt and Romania,” added Andras Istvan Dimitri.
He noted that Egypt is renowned for its major national projects and its growing influence as a regional cultural, political, and economic hub. The Romanian public admires Egypt’s unique ability to honor its rich heritage while embracing innovation in the arts, archaeology, architecture, design, and digital creativity.
He pointed out that through cultural exchange, the Egyptian and Romanian peoples become acquainted with shared human experiences, including curiosity, creativity, resilience, and the desire to build a better future.
Highlighting Romanian cultural identity
The Romanian minister continued, saying, “Romania’s vision is to present itself as a modern, dynamic, culturally diverse, and promising nation, rooted in history and actively engaged in the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Our participation in the book fair is based on several key dimensions, including highlighting Romania’s rich and diverse cultural identity by showcasing Romanian literature, featuring both established contemporary authors and emerging literary voices, as well as poets and essayists.”
He emphasized the importance of highlighting the shared history and human connections between Egypt and Romania through exceptional events that will shed light on the extraordinary, often forgotten stories of our shared history spanning two thousand years.
He stated that their vision for the book fair focuses on Egypt’s strategic role as a regional cultural hub through a distinguished program that aligns with Egypt’s current cultural standing.
A vision for the future of culture
Dimitri emphasized that Romania’s participation in the book fair aims to present a forward-looking Romania through film, digital arts, design, music, and interactive cultural experiences, showcasing the country as a European nation that embraces innovation, sustainability, and global cultural dialogue.
He pointed out that a series of events are planned specifically for children, featuring renowned Romanian children’s authors. He explained that this reflects Romania’s belief that culture knows no boundaries or age limits, and that they seek to reach the hearts and minds of young Egyptians who, in 10 to 20 years, can become key players in the future of their historic friendship.