His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Asir Region, inaugurated the 15^th Annual Book Fair organized by King Khalid University and represented by the Deanship of Library Affairs, on Wednesday the 1^st of Safar 1440 AH at Prince Sultan Intellectual Center in Khamis Mushait.

His Excellency King Khalid University Rector, Prof. Falleh R. M. Al-Solamy, thanked HRH Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz for his patronage and HRH Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, for their time and effort in supporting and encouraging the development of the region.

In his speech, Al-Solamy said: "We thank Allah for the Kingdom's continued emphasis on human capital development through higher education. We also thank our great leader the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, HRM King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for their vision and paving the way forward for the Kingdom in the 21^st century."

Vice Rector of Academic Affairs, Dr. Saad Bin Mohammed Bin Dajjam, explained that the university plays a vital role in our society by supporting and sponsoring various programs and activities." The book fair is a vital part of spreading knowledge and laying a foundation for further education and development of the citizenry," Dajjam said. He noted that with the support and leadership of Rector Al-Solamy the 15th Annual Book Fair had broad participation including more than 100 agencies and publishing houses.

Dean of Library Affairs at the University, Dr. Abdullah Al Nasser, further explained that the fair aims to help the Kingdom achieve its objectives and vision by providing a vibrant academic environment that bolsters both the faculty and student efforts to succeed in this rapidly advancing globally integrated technological environment.