Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle is opening the 65th Frankfurt Book Fair this afternoon (8 October) together with Brazil’s Vice-President Michel Temer and the Brazilian Cultural Affairs Minister Marta Suplicy. Brazil, which is this year’s Guest of Honour, is showcasing its culture at the Book Fair under the motto “A land full of voices”. More than 90 authors from the largest country in South America are taking part.

Brazil’s presence at the Frankfurt Book Fair follows the Rio de Janeiro Book Fair over a month ago where Germany was the Guest of Honour. The presentation of German publishing houses and authors was part of the current Germany Year in Brazil 2013/14. Up until the World Cup, German industry, culture, education and science will be showcased in Brazil to arouse interest in Germany and convey an up-to-date image of contemporary Germany.

Background:

The Frankfurt Book Fair is taking place in the city on the River Main from 9 to 13 October 2013. With over 7300 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, the world’s largest book fair is again this year a hub for authors, publishers, booksellers, journalists and lovers of literature from around the world. From Wednesday on, up to 300,000 visitors are expected over five days.

The Federal Foreign Office has been involved in the Frankfurt Book Fair since 2007 through the “Weltempfang” forum. Within the framework of this forum, organisations in the field of cultural relations and education policy, as well as German authors and translators, have an opportunity to present themselves to the public. The central theme of the programme this year is a “Focus on Childhood and Youth”. Readings, talks and discussions will examine how children grow up in the shadow of economic crises or escalating conflicts, as well as the secret of a good children’s book.