The institution of the guest of honor was established at the Belgrade Book Fair six years ago. It emanated on the pattern of the big international events of similar character and the aim of it is to familiarize the domestic reading audience and publishers with the creative endeavors in the field of the literature and the language of the country bearing this title.

The country guest of honor has a special place at the Book Fair in the arena of Hall 1. At its stand, as well as in the Projection Hall in hall 2, on level B, the guest of honor has the opportunity to present its publishing and culture, within the program of encounters with authors, at lectures, and professional seminars.

At the Book Fair, the guest of honor is in a position to present the authors from its country, translators, publishers, distributers as well as all those who are in connection with books in various ways. Establishing of strong and live cultural bonds is one of the most important objectives of our cultural policy, and the institution of the guest of honor can be a very significant contribution to their attainment in that respect. 

This year, the country guest of honor at the 54^th Belgrade International Book Fair is Greece, www.ekebi.gr.

On the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of the Belgrade International Book Fair (in 2005), the Open Book is introduced, which will be handed over to the representative of the country, which will be the guest of honor in 2010, after the ceremonious registration of the representative of Greece.