ALGIERS- Algeria Press Service (APS) agency and the Gabonese news agency 'AGP' signed Saturday, in Algiers, a cooperation agreement on the exchange of media content and expertise.

The agreement was signed, on the sidelines of the 7th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), by the Director General of APS, Samir Gaid, and his counterpart of AGP, Ghislain Ruffin Etoughet Nzuet, in the presence of Mohamed Meziane, Director General of Communication, Information and Documentation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, who coordinated the conclusion of this agreement, and the ministry's executives.

Under this agreement, the two agencies will exchange important information contents concerning Algeria and Gabon and strengthen media coverage of events in both countries, said the Director General of the Gabonese agency.

In this respect, he underlined his agency's willingness to conclude this agreement with APS, one of the 'pioneering' press agencies in the African continent, in terms of media action, qualified human resources, equipment, and technical capacities that 27

reflect Algeria's importance and position, as well as its great renown on the international media scene.

He also hailed 'the joint and constant cooperation with a distinguished agency as APS, which complements the fraternal cooperation between Algeria and Gabon, as evidenced by historic agreements.'

AGP's Director General commended 'Gaid's commitment to discussing and approving the agreement mentioned above,' affirming that AGP will spare no effort to 'revitalize this partnership and ensure its sustainability.'

APS presents audiovisual broadcasting platform

ALGIERS-Algeria Press Service (APS) news agency presented Saturday at its headquarters its platform for broadcasting audiovisual content, as part of the adaptation of the agency to technological and legislative developments in the audiovisual media sector.

The platform presentation by the Director General of APS, Samir Gaid, was attended by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laagab, Advisor to the President of the Republic in charge of the Directorate General of Communication, Kamel Sidi Said, the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Broadcasting Regulatory Authority (ANIRAV), the directors general of public and private media, as well as experts and journalists specialized in audiovisual media. 28

The Communication minister commended this achievement, calling it 'very important' as it comes 'shortly after the launch of the Spanish version of the agency's website' on the occasion of its 62nd anniversary.

'This platform is part of the development and diversification of APS services,' said Laagab, calling the agency 'to adopt an attractive marketing approach after the launch of this platform for domestic subscribers and foreign news agencies, particularly those with which the Agency has signed cooperation agreements.'

Laagab stated that 'this platform constitutes a source of audiovisual content for private TV channels seeking to cover local events,' praising APS and its staff for this achievement.

For his part, the advisor to the President of the Republic in charge of the Directorate General of Communication also congratulated APS DG and staff on this achievement which represents 'a qualitative leap and the fruit of the agency's efforts.'

Strong and reliable public media outlets 'can act as a driving force for all private media,' he stressed, wishing APS 'further success and achievements.'

'The platform mirrors the public authorities' willingness to develop the audiovisual sector,' he continued.

The agency's achievement, presented at a consultation meeting with the media stakeholders and partners,' signifies the agency's commitment to offering complete media services in all fields and via all supports and platforms,' stressed Gaid.

APS 'has trained a qualified and professional staff capable of providing remarkable services in the audiovisual sector through this platform to meet subscribers' needs and offer comprehensive audiovisual content that will bring added value to the audiovisual sector in Algeria,' affirmed the same official.

Minister of Communication opens training session for sports journalists

ALGIERS- Minister of Communication Mohamed Laagab chaired Monday, at the ministry's headquarters, the opening of a training session for 50 sports journalists and news and television presenters, to enhance the performance of national sports media.

In an address at the opening ceremony, attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Abderrahmane Hammad, and managers of media institutions, Laagab said 'training, in all specialties, is a continuous and uninterrupted process, given the evolutions in all areas of life, including media activity, the development of the means used, the multiplicity of difficulties and the multitude of audiences.'

The minister deemed it 'necessary for journalists to develop their skills through continuous training.'

He noted that the law on information in Algeria 'includes a clear and explicit article on the requirement for training in media institutions, which have to allocate a specific budget in this respect.'

Laagab emphasized his ministerial department's efforts in 'providing support to media institutions for quality training, allowing journalists to develop their knowledge and perfect their working methods.'

He stressed that his ministry 'will continue to organize such training sessions to promote the performance of national media.'

The minister said a training session was held for 300 journalists before the 7th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), held

in Algiers, as well as many seminars and meetings with the participation of international experts to ensure quality training.