Monday, 25 May 2026
Arab League chief's memoirs spotlighted in lively seminar at Cairo Book Fair
Egypt's Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, attended a prominent educational seminar held in the International Hall (Plaza 1) as part of the 57th Cairo International Book Fair. The event focused on discussing two significant books by Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States: Witness to War and Peace (Shāhid ʿalā al-Ḥarb wa al-Salām) and My Testimony (Shahādatī).
The seminar drew a large audience of intellectuals, researchers, and those interested in political and intellectual affairs. It featured contributions from Ambassador Mohamed Hegazy, former Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs; prominent thinker Dr. Abdel Moneim Said; and strategic analyst Major General Khaled Okasha. The session was moderated by writer Nashwa El-Houfy.
Also in attendance were Dr. Khaled Abu El-Leil, Acting Head of the General Egyptian Book Organization, and Dr. Ahmed Megahed, Executive Director of the Book Fair.
The discussion explored the core themes of the two books, which offer documentary testimonies and in-depth analytical insights into Aboul Gheit's long career in diplomacy and politics. Aboul Gheit highlighted pivotal moments in the region's history, sharing personal experiences and positions he witnessed firsthand. He shed light on the challenges faced by the Egyptian state and the Arab world during critical periods, emphasizing the role of diplomacy in managing crises and shaping stances.
The seminar also addressed the translation of both books into seven foreign languages, presenting them as an effort to provide a historical record and pass on valuable experience to younger generations. Participants stressed the importance of documentation as a tool for understanding the past and anticipating the future, calling for a conscious and objective reading of the major transformations the region has undergone—free from slogans and superficial impressions.
Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno praised the inclusion of such important publications in the Book Fair, noting that it reflects the event's central role as a platform for serious dialogue and the exchange of ideas. He underlined the fair's status as one of the most significant cultural and intellectual events in the region. According to the minister, these books enrich public awareness by providing high-quality documentary material and interactive spaces to understand modern history and its transformations from an authoritative perspective.
The Minister of Culture reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting events that bring together thought, experience, and expertise, valuing their contribution to building an enlightened consciousness rooted in knowledge. He described culture as a fundamental pillar in shaping individuals and a key tool for reinforcing belonging and a deep understanding of national and regional issues.
The seminar concluded in an atmosphere rich with dialogue and extensive interaction from attendees, highlighting public interest in such serious intellectual gatherings. It also reaffirmed the Cairo International Book Fair's role in providing open spaces for discussion, critical thinking, and reinforcing the value of books as an essential window into history and human experience.