Bulgaria is the guest of honour at the 19th edition of the International Book and Education Fair in Podgorica, which brings together literary representatives from all over Europe. Bulgaria's national presentation, featuring more than 40 publishers and 150 titles, was organised by the Bulgarian Book Association in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the Bulgarian Embassy in Montenegro.

As part of the fair's programme, Vice President Iliana Iotova opened the exhibition Alphabet and History, which highlighted Bulgaria's contribution to European writing and cultural heritage.

Authors Zdravka Evtimova and Georgi Bardarov will meet visitors at the Bulgarian national stand, while the Pleven Philharmonic Orchestra will give a concert. The Technical University of Sofia will present its educational programmes and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre will perform the play Elementary Particles. The music group Belonoga will also perform, and the exhibition Richness of Colours and Traditions will offer a glimpse of Bulgarian cultural identity.

"Bulgaria's participation in this fair is an opportunity to present our publishers, writers and translators to an international audience, while showcasing our cultural traditions and contemporary literary scene," said Desislava Alexieva, President of the Bulgarian Book Association.

The Podgorica Book Fair continues to be an important platform for cultural exchange in the Balkans and Europe. Bulgaria's role as this year's Guest of Honour recognises its contribution to regional and European cooperation in literature and publishing, the Fair's organisers said.