The Union of Russian Writers have met with UAE officials and Emirati writers representing Sharjah’s cultural delegation at Moscow International Book Fair (MIBF 2019), at their Moscow headquarters. The meeting was held to share the highlights of UAE’s cultural journey with participating Russian officials, explore collaboration opportunities and strengthen relations between the two parties.

The meeting was attended by HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA); Nikolay Ivanov, Chairman of the Union of Russian Writers; Igor Yanin, Deputy Chairman of the Union of Russian Writers; Pavel Krenev, Secretary-General of the Union of Russian Writers; Kanta Ibragimov, Chairman of the Union of Writers of the Chechen Republic, and a group of UAE’s and Russia’s writers and poets.

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri noted that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah calls on using culture, literature and arts as a bridge to forge relationships between people, sustain and nurture humanity’s achievements. He also said that the meeting was a first step in the direction to ensure a promising future for the Memorandum of Understanding they signed with Moscow’s General Directorate of International Book Exhibitions and Fairs (GDIBEF) aimed at bringing the two parties closer culturally.

The chairman spoke of the commonalities between Arab and Russian cultures, most notably their ancient historical roots, the diversity of historical chapters which led them to birth several innovations and important theories, in addition to their ethnic richness and diversity that contributed to enriching their heritage and the birth of various art forms.

Al Ameri thanked Union of Russian Writers for their warm welcome and noted that every new step to strengthen bilateral bonds bolsters the historical relationship between the two countries that dates back nearly 50 years. During the meeting, the Chairman briefed attendees on Sharjah’s cultural project, highlighting major events organised by the emirate, including Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, and Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 celebrations.

For his part, Nikolay Ivanov, expressed his hope to intensify these efforts to promote cultural exchange by enriching libraries in both countries with quality content in culture, history and arts.

Pavel Kornev lauded the commitment and support of the Sharjah Ruler to consistently promote the Arabic–Russian translations scene, saying these efforts are key to bolstering relations between international cultural entities and bringing nations closer.

Al Ameri received a silver copy of Alexander Pushkin’s book from Nikolay Ivanov, and in turn gifted him two books from the UAE; one about the printing history of the Holy Quran and another book on Arabic horses in Russia.

After the Emirati delegation’s tour of the Union’s headquarters, a poetry recitation session followed with Russian poet Valentina Belyaeva reciting for the UAE delegation, and in turn, hearing from the Emirati poets.