The Sixth General Assembly of the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA) got underway on Thursday in Rabat, with Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohammed Bensaid suing for unity among news agencies on the continent.
Bensaid, who described FAAPA as a good ally in the dissemination of information, urged members to close ranks in order to contribute to tackling the challenges on the continent.
He described the host city of Rabat as a symbol of the collective faith a new Africa must cherish, saying it had been a haven for meetings and other engagements for years.
The Vice President of FAAPA, Mrs Oumou Sana, in her remarks, said the forum would help in deepening unity in Africa.
Sana, who noted that the Sixth edition of the Assembly was the first since the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, called on members of the association to explore the strategic path of collaboration.
She also urged FAAPA members to work together to tackle the challenges confronting the continent.
Others who spoke at the opening ceremony included Mr Georges Penintaex, Secretary General of the Federation of Mediterranean and Arab News Agencies, and Mr Farid Ayar, Secretary General of the Federation of Arab News Agencies.
A presentation was also made for deaf children on cochlear implants for Africa by Karim Essakalili of the Lalla Asmae Foundation.
A formal signing of the partnership agreement between the foundation and FAAPA marked the climax of the opening ceremony.
NAN, a council member of FAAPA, is being represented at the forum by Mr Buki Ponle, its Managing Director.
