Anadolu Agency diplomacy journalism training begins

By Dildar Baykan

ANKARA (AA) - Anadolu Agency has begun its diplomacy journalism training program for participants from Balkans, Southeast Asia and Southeast Africa regions.

The two-week program for the participants from 15 countries was launched Monday in capital Ankara in collaboration with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and Anadolu Agency's News Academy.

The training program aims to establish a network with other correspondents, to inform participants on issues of diplomatic relations between countries of the region and Turkey's regional policy approach and to allow participants to compare diplomacy journalism in their country with other countries.

The training program began with the presentation of News Academy Deputy Coordinator Hayri Cetinkus on Anadolu Agency.

"We have different programs under the title of 'diplomacy journalism'; however, these programs are different from each other in terms of content. The needs of target are determined according to which country they are participating from... Thus we obtain efficiency in the programs," he said.

The program will teach journalists foreign policy, diplomacy and energy-related topics so that they are able to report on changes in Balkans, Southeast Asia and Southeast Africa.

The participants of the "Diplomacy Journalism Training" will receive 78 hours of applied and theoretical lessons until May 11 in English language.

The program also includes visits to TIKA, the Foreign Ministry, the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities.

Participants will be awarded certificates at the end of the program.