Boao: The 57th meeting of the Executive Council of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) convened Wednesday in Boao, Hainan Province, China, focusing on journalist safety and cooperation in advanced technologies.

According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting began with opening remarks from Fu Hua, President of China's Xinhua News Agency, who urged OANA members to strengthen regional partnerships based on mutual trust, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation. Fu emphasized the importance of providing reliable and truthful news to enhance global understanding of the region. He also highlighted Xinhua's willingness to collaborate on advanced technologies and promote research, development, and application with other OANA members.

Andrey Kondrashov, President of OANA and Director General of Russia's TASS News Agency, underscored the necessity of collective efforts among countries to utilize artificial intelligence in combating fake news and disseminating reliable information. Kondrashov also stressed the need for more robust and secure mechanisms to protect journalists.

The meeting witnessed the approval of Mongolia's national news agency, Montsem, joining the organization's executive council. Additionally, a joint statement on the safety of journalists was adopted, highlighting that the protection of journalists is a responsibility shared by professional media outlets and the global community. The statement affirmed the commitment of OANA members to continue providing factual news, supporting safety training for journalists, and upholding objectivity.

OANA, founded in Thailand in December 1961, aims to facilitate the direct and free exchange of news and information in the Asia-Pacific region and to foster cooperation among its members and with news agencies worldwide.