Somalia marks Anadolu Agency's centennial

By Erdogan Cagatay Zontur

ANKARA (AA) – Somalia’s Directorate of Communications congratulated Anadolu Agency on its centennial in a letter on Sunday.

"The Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Somalia appreciate the critical role Anadolu Agency has had in sharing the Somali story at home and abroad; stories of rise and victory and not ruins, or victimization," the letter said.

Somalia calle Turkey’s top news provider "a source of belief in their resilience and a great motivation for their people” and hailed Anadolu Agency for its “key and integral and instrumental part in maintaining the true bond of brotherhood between the Turkish and the Somali people."

"Anadolu Agency has maintained its coverage of partnership and cooperation between different government institutions of our two nations thus fostering unity and accountability.

"This includes the consistent coverage of our togetherness, partnerships and our road to recovery of Somalia," the letter added.

The letter also said that Anadolu Agency inspires Somalia’s growing media organizations and "the efforts of countering misinformation and propaganda at a time where fast-paced propaganda is threatening journalism and public information."

It noted Somalia’s support for press freedom and independence of media organizations as "key ingredients of the success stories of various media organizations."

Anadolu Agency, established on April 6, 1920 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of the Turkish Republic, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

The Ankara-based agency has worked to disseminate factual news across the globe with confidence, impartiality, professionalism and speed since it was established.

It is viewed as one of the world's most prestigious news agencies, currently producing news in 13 languages and serving 6,000 subscribers in 100 countries with at least 3,000 employees in 100 countries.