BYEGM helps develop media cooperation with Syria

In line with developing bilateral political ties, in recent years media cooperation between Turkey and Syria has also gained momentum, with more frequent visits by Syrian media members to Turkey. One such visit started recently. Hosted by the Prime Ministry Directorate General of Press and Information (BYEGM), a group of Syrian journalists yesterday arrived in Ankara, where they were received by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc. During these meetings, which were also attended by BYEGM head Salih Melek, ways of further improving Turkish-Syrian media cooperation were discussed. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Melek said that Waddah Abd Rabbo, the editor-in-chief of Syria's first private daily al-Vatan, would soon visit Turkey as the guest of the BYEGM. Stating that BYEGM provides visiting foreign media members with a busy travel program, Melek said they also arrange meetings with their Turkish counterparts. Before coming to Turkey, the Syrian media delegation also held talks with Syrian officials, including Information Minster Mohsen Bilal, to learn what could be done to boost media cooperation with Turkey. As part of their visit, the journalists are also scheduled to hold talks in Istanbul.