Relations between Russia and Egypt are truly exceptional, and they will only strengthen in the future. This opinion was expressed by Ahmed Zeid, director of the Library of Alexandria, in a conversation with a TASS correspondent on Wednesday.
"At the El Dabaa NNP event, where the Russian and Egyptian presidents met in an online format, it became obvious from the speeches of Vladimir Putin and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi that relations between the two countries are excellent and will only strengthen in the future," Zeid remarked, speaking at the 55th Cairo International Book Fair.
Marat Gatin, the head of the Russian House in Cairo also expressed confidence in the positive development of Russian-Egyptian relations. Gatin highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Russian House in promoting Russian literature in Egypt, including translation initiatives.
"We hope that within the framework of the book fair, we will be able to communicate with our Egyptian colleagues, discuss previously reached agreements, and lay a solid foundation for further collaboration in the new year," Gatin emphasized.
Interest in Russian literature
Dmitry Streshnev, a specialist in the Middle East and a member of the Russian Writers' Union, is among the authors participating in the Cairo Book Fair in Egypt. He notes that Egyptian publishers consistently show a strong interest in foreign literature, particularly Russian works. According to Streshnev, Russian writers, mainly those representing classical literature, are highly esteemed by Egyptian readers. Notably, Fyodor Dostoevsky's "The Double" was recently translated in Egypt. However, contemporary Russian authors are also gaining traction, as evidenced by the translation and publication of two novels by Streshnev, namely "Yazidi girl" and "A Little Splendor Borrowed from the Gods," in Arabic. During the 2021 fair, the first of these novels was presented to Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly when he visited the Russian pavilion.
Marina Moskvina, another author showcasing her novels in Cairo, has yet to see her works published in Arabic. However, she expresses her enthusiasm for the prospect of Egyptian publishers making such translations. Moskvina reveals her desire for the Arabic translation of her book "My Dog Loves Jazz," which has received international acclaim, including a diploma from H. K. Andersen. Although the book has been translated into multiple languages, an Arabic version is currently unavailable. Moskvina believes her books, particularly those tailored for a young audience, would resonate with Egyptian readers, as "children are the same everywhere." She emphasizes that her primary objective as a writer is to instill love, harmony, and a sense of connection with the world in children, qualities they can carry with them throughout their lives.
About book fair
The Cairo Book Fair, which began on January 24, features over 70 countries, including Russia, showcasing their literary products. The fair, held until February 6 under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, aims to impart knowledge and preserve the written word. This year's guest of honor is Norway, with a special focus on Nobel Prize-winning author Joon Fosse.
Russian participation in the 2024 book fair includes representation by publishing houses "OGI" and "Rutenia," along with the presence of five Russian writers, two of whom have had their works translated into Arabic. The fair is expected to draw over a million visitors during its nearly two-week duration, featuring the diverse literary contributions of nations worldwide.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS