The International Publishers Association (IPA) President Sheikha Bedour Al Qasimi expressed, during her speech at the Publishers Conference currently held in Riyadh, her happiness to return to the Riyadh International Book Fair and see many familiar faces in the Arab publishing world. She said that the IPA is participating in the conference to support the meaningful dialogue towards the publishing industry in the region and the world. It is worth mentioning that the sessions of the Publishers Conference will be held till Tuesday, as part of the activities of Riyadh International Book Fair. Meanwhile, Iraq’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Hassan Nazim, affirmed that Saudi Arabia plays a great cultural role for the entire Arab nation, due to the great position it enjoys at Arab and Islamic worlds. This came during his visit on Sunday to the pavilion and exhibition of King Abdulaziz Public Library (KAPL) on the Cultural Avenue, where he was received by KAPL Director General Dr. Bandar Bin Abdullah Al-Mubarak. The Iraqi minister was briefed on KAPL contents, including new publications, books and encyclopedia, praising the cultural and knowledge role being played by KAPL. This is in addition to its great contribution to Saudi and Arab culture. KAPL is participating in the ongoing Riyadh International Book Fair (RIBF) and Iraq is this year’s guest-of-honor country at RIBF. — SPA