A book can create or reinforce friendships between nations, Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister Tibor Navracsics stated at the opening of the 26th Moscow International Book Fair on Wednesday.

He called it a great honour that Hungary, was chosen as guest of honour of the large-scale event. Hungary displays over 1,000 publications and organises several special events during the fair, including theatrical and folk dance performances and culinary shows. An exhibition entitled "Hungarians of World Fame" features objects of the permanent science history collection of the Hungarian National Museum. For the first time in Russia, Smartegg, a Hungarian-invented brainteaser deemed as a successor to Rubik's Cube, was put on display. Smartegg won an award at an international exhibition of logical games in Washington last year.

The book fair, attended by over 1,200 exhibitors from 27 countries, is expected to attract 200,000 visitors.

(Ministry of Public Administration and Justice)