The 25th Sao Paulo International Book Fair 2018 is hosting representatives from Sharjah, who seek to strengthen bilateral trade and cultural relations between Sao Paulo and Sharjah.

Bruno Covas, Mayor of Sao Paulo, received the emirate’s delegation to discuss avenues of cultural cooperation between the two countries, with a special focus on developing the Brazilian book market in the Arab world, and vice versa.

Later in the day, the Sharjah delegation, headed by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, met Romildo Campelo, Culture Secretary of the State of Sao Paulo, to explore future prospects to intensify relations between Emirati cultural entities and their Brazilian counterparts.

During the meeting with Sao Paulo’s mayor, Sheikh Fahim noted, "The selection of Sharjah as Sao Paulo International Book Fair’s Guest of Honour marks a new beginning for starting our efforts towards building a shared future for the UAE, Sao Paulo and Latin America.

"Inspired by the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate has built its overall industrial, economic and social development on the strong pillars of cultural heritage and national identity."

Highlighting Sharjah’s advancing cultural relations with countries around the world, Sheikh Fahim said, "Sharjah is proud to have an annual calendar featuring homegrown cultural events, such as the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, Sharjah Heritage Days and many other international festivals. These are meeting grounds we offer to cultures worldwide, which are pleased to extend to Sao Paulo, too. We hope these vibrant cultural platforms will draw us closer."

Regarding the meeting, Covas said, "Brazil enjoys a strong relationship with the UAE. In Sao Paulo, we appreciate the UAE's efforts to further enhance avenues of cooperation and strengthen official relations between us. The UAE takes centre stage in the Arab world, and is undoubtedly a cultural hub in the Middle East. We are delighted, today, to see Sharjah, World Book Capital 2019, open its doors to Sao Paulo and Latin culture, enabling us to explore the fabulous aspects of Emirati, Arab and Islamic cultures."

The 25th Sao Paulo International Book Fair raised curtains on its 10-day celebration of books and literature on Saturday. The emirate is offering the fair’s visitors a rich cultural programme showcasing the UAE’s culture and its literary and art movement.