Seed of affinity…

File photo of the 2006 workshop

When Bernama organized a workshop for journalists from 17 Arabic-speaking countries in May 2006, the aim was to get them to familiarize with Malaysia.

Apart from fostering closer understanding, the five-day workshop partly-funded by Unesco, had sought common ground in our approach to covering events and issues of common interest.

Twenty-two journalists attended the workshop which also served to highlight the newly-launched Bernama Arabic Desk then.

With the seed of affinity sown, Bernama continues to have daily exchange of news in Arabic with news agencies of the 17 countries.

After eight years, it is heartening to know that Rym Gacem, who came for the workshop as Tunisian News Agency (T.A.P) representative, still has fond memories of it.  

“Of course I still remember your agency and all of you. It was a successful workshop,” she said via Internet this morning.

Rym, who is “responsible for média, art and cultural desk” at her agency, said she often keep track of happenings in Malaysia by getting into the Bernama website.

“I will follow your website ..and think about possibility of strengthening cooperation,” she said.

Bernama and T.A.P. had signed a news exchange agreement in 2002.

Asked if she had read about Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 which went down in Ukraine, Rym said:

“Of course, I read about it …A friend of mine had some friends and colleagues with them.."