KUALA LUMPUR, December 20 — The renewed News Exchange and Cooperation Agreement between the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and China’s Xinhua News Agency is a crucial starting point for Bernama to establish closer relationships and a broader news network with other news agencies in the Southeast Asian region, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi emphasized the importance of Bernama’s role, not only in the context of the signed agreement but also in enhancing relationships between Malaysia and other agencies in the Southeast Asian region. He sees this as particularly relevant with Malaysia set to assume the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. Fahmi expressed hope that the renewal of the agreement would facilitate more accurate news exchanges and sharing between Malaysia and China.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed by Bernama Editor-in-Chief Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Xinhua Director for Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau Wang Jinfu. The collaboration between Bernama and Xinhua began in 1985, and the renewal is seen as a symbol of strengthened collaboration between the two news agencies, aligning with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations in 2024.
