16 February 2018•Update: 16 February 2018
By Tugcenur Yilmaz
ANKARA
Anadolu Agency's diplomacy journalism training program for international reporters came to an end Friday with participants receiving their certificates.
The program was organized by Anadolu Agency's News Academy in collaboration with the Turkish International Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
A total of 25 journalists from Ukraine, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and Mongolia attended 78 hours of practical and theory lessons during the two-week long program.
Journalists took courses on foreign policy, diplomacy and energy as well as learnt how to do specialized reporting on changes in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
As part of the program, diplomacy-specific reporting and interviewing techniques, Anadolu Agency’s Asia-Caucasus publications, the working environment of diplomacy journalists and photography techniques were also addressed.
The training was offered mainly in Russian, while some lessons were provided with simultaneous Russian translation.
TIKA's Manager for Training Projects Mustafa Hasim Polat, Anadolu Agency's International Operations Director Ural Yesil and News Academy Deputy Coordinator Hayri Cetinkus were present at the ceremony during which participants were given certificates.
Speaking at the ceremony, Polat laid emphasis on journalism, saying, “A journalist's work could either lead to war or peace. It has potential that triggers a great, useful work.”
In his speech, Yesil said Anadolu Agency has been bringing people together from a variety of places, cultures, and languages for five years.
He said Anadolu Agency had employees from 107 different countries, adding: “The Central Asia is very important for us geographically. As Anadolu Agency, we would like to see you as voluntary representatives in your country.”
Cetinkus said Anadolu Agency and TIKA were extending their hands to sister countries. Both institutions serve not only through such training programs but also by carrying out different projects.
Among the trainees was Parvana Rahimova, who is working at Azerbaijani state television. He said he took this opportunity to get to know the activities of institutions and policies in Turkey during his training.
