Director of SIBF Ahmed al Amri with Director of Moscow International Book Fair Nikolai Ovsannkov A delegation from the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) – one of the four largest book fairs in the world - recently participated in the 26th edition of the Moscow International Book Fair as part of its efforts to promote the SIBF and invite publishers to participate in its upcoming 32nd edition.
The SIBF delegation held a meeting with the Director of the Moscow Book Fair during which they discussed means to exchange expertise and broaden the scope of cooperation between both sides.
During the meeting, which was attended by Ahmed Al Amri, Director of SIBF and Nikolai Ovsannkov, Director of Moscow International Book Fair, the two parties discussed avenues to exchange expertise, including the expertise of Russian intellectuals and publishers in Moscow and European countries, as well as cooperation in other related areas.  
The delegation, which also included Salim Omar Salim, Head of Sales and Marketing at SIBF, and Mohan Kumar, External Affairs Executive at SIBF, attended various lectures related to publishing, culture and books, hosted by the Moscow International Book fair in order to enhance best practices in the field. SIBF’s participation further aimed identify and promote the Sharjah International Book Fair, through its eye-catching stand design highlighting its well-known cultural identity.



Speaking about SIBF efforts to attract Russian participants in its upcoming edition, Ahmed Al Amri, Director of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), said, “The SIBF is keen to provide all facilities for Russian publishers to ensure bigger and larger participation so as to benefit from their cultural output and knowledge. We are also eager to ensure their strong presence in the Professional Programme which is why we invited a number of prominent Russian intellectuals and literary figures to attend the Programme\'s lectures and discussion sessions, so as to benefit from their experience and promote the Russian culture and to attract the largest possible audience interested in Russian books and culture.\"  
The SIBF Professional Programme features a wide range of lectures, discussion sessions, seminars and workshops that are held prior to the Book fair. The SIBF Management is keen that the Professional Programme provides a platform for authors and publishers from across the world to network, share experiences and benefit from the expertise of the elite group of participating professionals and specialists, to further support the expertise of professionals in the book and publishing industry in the UAE and the entire region.