Damascus: The Damascus International Book Fair, one of the Arab world's oldest and largest cultural exhibitions, has commenced with the Syrian president in attendance. Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Conference Palace, Sharaa emphasized the quest for truth, highlighting that greater knowledge deepens awareness and increases the need for learning.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sharaa described the book fair as a 'welcome return and a valuable new beginning' following the full liberation of Syria, expressing hopes for attendees' continued access to knowledge and learning. He remarked that nations lacking knowledge are often linked to weakness, whereas those that embrace and apply knowledge are associated with strength. He further mentioned that Damascus has historically been a beacon of learning, attracting students whose influence extended to both the east and west.

The fair is scheduled to open to the public on Friday and will run from February 6 to February 16 under the slogan 'A history we write.a history we read.' Organized by the Syrian Ministry of Culture for the first time since the Assad regime's collapse, this year's edition features Saudi Arabia and Qatar as guests of honor.