He described the festival as one of the largest events of Hungarian culture.

This year the festival hosts Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland as guests.

Norwegian MP Gunn Karin Gjul said Nordic literature is nationalist, northern and universal, and expressed hope that the festival will further strengthen co-operation between northern and central European countries.

Swedish writer Katarina Mazetti drew attention to the importance of freedom of speech and democracy.

The festival runs until Sunday.

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

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