CHINESE writer Liu Zhenyun received the highest culture award from Egypt’s Ministry of Culture at the 47th Cairo International Book Fair on Friday.

    The jury said the award honors his literary impact on Egypt and the Arabic world. Liu’s works, including “Ta Pu,” “Cellphone” and “A Word Is Worth a Thousand Words,” are well-received among ordinary readers and intellectuals alike.

    “Liu Zhenyun has presented us with universal human compassion, leading us to converse with our neglected souls with his deep thoughts and sense of humor,” the book fair’s jury said.

    Liu thanked the translators of his books and those who bestowed the award, saying it brought him to the Arabic world and enabled him to see different lifestyles. “The more places you go, the more you know how much you don’t know. Writing is a way to learn about the world you don’t know,” Liu said.

    Liu is also the first Chinese writer to have his works published at the same time in several Arabian countries, including Egypt, Lebanon, Algeria and Iraq. It is reported that publication of his book “I’m Not Pan Jinlian” is underway in several more Arabic countries.(SD-Agencies)