Pakistani youth parliamentarians visit Anadolu Agency

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - A delegation from Pakistan's youth parliament paid a visit to Anadolu Agency's headquarters on Monday.

Anadolu Agency's World Languages Editor-in-Chief Mehmet Ozturk briefed them on the workings of the news wire, its international presence and plans of expansion.

“On April 6 this year, Anadolu Agency will celebrate its centenary,” Ozturk said.

Focusing on South Asia, Ozturk said: “Anadolu Agency has its regional office covering sub-continent based in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad."

Anadolu Agency is a well-established global news agency with operations in most major regions of the world, including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Asia-Pacific, and serves subscribers in more than 100 countries.

The delegates were shown a documentary on Siachen glacier by Anadolu Agency which triggered expressions of concern.

“If environment hazards continue, glaciers in Himalayas will perish by 2032 which will have huge impact on Pakistan triggering floods, climate change and drought,” said one of the group members on what is known as the world's highest battlefield and where a standoff between rivals India and Pakistan persists.

Applauding the work of Anadolu Agency, the group leader Aqeel Aziz said they will take back the Turkish experiences in media and communications sector.

"It is inspiring to see the success story of Anadolu Agency and we would press our government and media to learn from their Turkish counterparts,” Aziz said on the occasion.

Ozturk also informed the group about various training programs held by Anadolu Agency’s News Academy. “We welcome candidates from Pakistan to join our training programs,” he told the visiting delegation.

Referring to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s focus on Pakistan’s tourism industry, the delegation requested that Anadolu Agency help in promotion of the sector. “Media and technology are tools which help build image and Anadolu Agency can help us better in this sector,” a delegate said.

Pakistan's National Youth Assembly began operation in 1984 with the aim of training future leaders.