Luanda — The secretary-general of the Angolan Writers Union (UEA), Carmo Neto, said Sunday, in Luanda, that the Children's Book Fair constitutes an event aimed at answering the goals of the government, based on general and specific principles of the Angolan cultural policy.

In an interview to ANGOP, during the opening of the Children's Book Fair happening from 9 to 12 December at the premises of the UEA, the official stressed that "promoting reading habit and economy of culture in specific conditions of our country which aspires progress (...), is a challenge for all of us, since books and reading are essential to the development of contemporary societies without rejecting the values of tradition".

According to Carmo Neto, the Children's Book Fair is especially an event for promoting arts and valuing traditions.

The official stressed that the initiative aims to bring together and encourage people and students in developing a liking for reading and purchasing books at affordable prices.

To the writer, it is necessary to provide children with recreational programmes and promote cultural exchange.

He appealed to parents to take their children to book fairs and purchase children's books in order to boost their interest.