The 48th Conference of the General Assembly of the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA), hosted by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), commenced in Riyadh today with the participation of heads of member agencies in FANA. At the beginning of the event, SPA President Fahd bin Hassan Al Aqran welcomed participants to their second country the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expressing hope for the conference outcomes and members' efforts to contribute to supporting the journey of the federation. He also praised the efforts of the president of the previous FANA session and Director General and Editor-in-Chief of the Omani News Agency Ibrahim bin Zahran Al-Azri and what he offered over the last period in a bid to enhance cooperation among member agencies of FANA. Al Aqran stressed that changes in the media scene imposed by the means and contents of media outlets require members to develop action and improve the practical and professional aspects of various activities of the federation, reiterating the importance of improving the image of the federation and its international presence. SPA president also expressed aspiration for the decisions and recommendations of the conference to mark a launching point for a new era that keeps pace with the circumstances of the stage. For his part, Al-Azri commended the efforts of members through going on with implementing the joint program listed on the recommendations of the previous meetings, which enhanced FANA's efforts in realizing goals that contribute to developing cooperation among member agencies in FANA. He noted that this was reflected positively on the content of the FANA website through subjects that meet media aspirations, in realization for joint integration and cooperation in highlighting various development efforts in FANA member states. He also stressed the support of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Information, to further develop FANA. Participants in the conference discussed issues listed on the agenda related to the professional and organizational aspects of the federation, in addition to means to develop media performance for member agencies and the activities of the federation in the coming period.
