Paulo Coelho applauds MBRMF's initiatives at Frankfurt Book Fair 2008

Coelho's statement came on Thursday (16 October) during his visit to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation's stand at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2008, the world's largest trade fair for books. The internationally acclaimed writer was received by Yasser Hareb, Acting CEO of the Foundation and Head of its Culture sector, along with other delegation members.

Coelho said:

"Your stories, music and everything you have done and accomplished over the centuries has had an effect on us in a way that nobody still realizes. Now with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, I am sure you will spread works from your part of the world as we need to be exposed to your books, your music and your stories."

"It is not that authors from the Arab world are unknown; on the contrary, they are very well known and they help shape the world as it is today," he added.

Yasser Hareb briefed Coelho on the cultural achievements of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, including its 'Tarjem' programme, which seeks to translate 1,000 books from several languages into Arabic within three years. During his visit, Coelho also greeted scores of readers who flocked the Foundation's pavilion for photo and book signing opportunities.

One of the most widely read and influential writers in modern times, Coelho's works, translated into more than 66 languages, have sold a total of over 100 million copies till date. His novel 'The Alchemist' was one of the most important literary phenomena of the 20th century selling over 30 million copies.

As part of the Foundation's intensive agenda on the second day of the fair, Yasser Hareb received Francesco Giro, Italian Deputy Culture Minister. The Foundation's vision and its key objectives, programmes and means of exploring cooperation opportunities between the two sides were discussed during the meeting.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation also marked its second day of participation at the Frankfurt Book Fair with a series of networking activities. It hosted a reception dedicated to Arabic authors, translators and leading publishers, taking forward its vision to reinforce East-West cultural exchange.

The five-day 60th edition of the Frankfurt Book Fair will bring its curtains down on 19 October, with the Foundation marking a significant presence among the 7,000 exhibitors from 101 countries that are currently participating in the world's largest media fair.