Interliber, the 46th International Book Fair, was inaugurated today at Zagreb Fair.

Pavilions 5, 6, 7 and 7a are hosting more than 300 exhibitors from 14 countries.

Interliber is the largest literary event in Croatia. Publishers will present an extremely rich programme of new editions from a wide variety of fields at Zagreb Fair.

More than 200 hours of professional and entertaining programmes will take place on four stages: workshops, panels, quiz shows, gatherings with authors and numerous activities that celebrate books and knowledge.

Interliber is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia and the City of Zagreb.

The Interliber Fair was opened by Zoran Milanović, President of the Republic of Croatia, who in his speech referred to the history of Croatian - Hungarian relations and mentioned that he worked at Interliber as a student. He greeted Interliber's special guest Péter Nádas: "Hungary is the country in focus, not a partner country, because this is not a classic economic forum but a forum of cooperation, understanding and dialogue. The focus between Croatia and Hungary is the focus of culture, dialogue and understanding".

"There is a whole world in a book. And the whole world is at Interliber. Walking among books means being among friends. One page can change perspective, and one paragraph can restore hope. That's why Interliber represents a meeting of all of us who believe in the power of books to change the world in a subtle but a very strong way. At Interliber, we celebrate together the love of books that change us and open new worlds", said Renata Suša, Zagreb Fair Director, at the opening ceremony.

Peter Nádas, Hungarian writer, playwright and essayist, is this year's guest of honor at Interliber. He gave an inspiring speech at the official opening.

"It is with great joy that I welcome you again to the 46th International Book Fair Interliber, which has for decades been fulfilling its mission of promoting publishing, books, reading and knowledge. Today, when reading content is becoming universally available through new media, the classic printed book has retained its status, and the book fairs like Interliber are still highly valued and visited", emphasized the Mayor of the City of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević.

Nina Obuljen Koržinek, PhD, Minister of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia and the Envoy to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, said: "I am glad that this year we have the opportunity to put Hungary in the focus of Interliber because we can all testify that in recent years Hungarian writers have been especially read and translated and that this selection of the guest's country will surely attract a large number of visitors."

During the opening ceremony on the occasion of the visit of Hungary as a country in focus welcome addresses were also given by H.E. Mr. Csaba Demcsák, Ambassador of Hungary to the Republic of Croatia and Gabor Csaba, Deputy State Secretary and the Envoy to the Minister of Culture and Innovation of Hungary.  

Interliber working hours:  10,00 - 20,00 h; on Friday and Saturday until 21,00 h.

Admission to Interliber is free.