Lavrov Praises OANA's Role In Unbiased Coverage Of International Events
ST. PETERSBURG (Russia), June 20 (Bernama-TASS) -- The Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) plays a key role in ensuring unbiased and objective coverage of international events, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
The message was delivered in a video address to participants of the plenary session of the organisation's 19th General Assembly, hosted by TASS agency.
"For many years, the organisation – the world's largest association of news agencies – has facilitated the exchange of experience among media outlets from countries across Eurasia, the Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.
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'It contributes to the objective and impartial reporting of key global developments, promotes the values and standards of honest journalism, and defends the professional rights of media workers without bias or discrimination.
'Such efforts, which genuinely help improve the global information environment, deserve both respect and support," Lavrov emphasised.
He also highlighted the event's comprehensive agenda, noting that the General Assembly is being held within the framework of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
"We will discuss a broad range of issues relevant to the journalistic community - from combating fake news and disinformation to integrating artificial intelligence technologies into our work," Lavrov said.
"I am confident that the assembly will be constructive, and that the decisions and recommendations adopted will foster the further development of depoliticised dialogue and cooperation among media organisations of participating countries, in the interest of maintaining trust and mutual understanding in both global and regional affairs," the foreign minister added.
OANA was established in 1961 at the initiative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
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