First-Ever Meeting of World News Agencies in Istanbul

Listing the fundamental principles of journalism as "just, objective and fast," Erdogan said: "At the present time these characteristics are fully borne out by news agencies. Journalism entails heavy responsibility in addition to being an important profession. We see news agencies on the front lines of this mission fulfilling those requirements. One of the main prerequisites of democracy is an independent and free press. You cannot build up freedom of the press without having freedom of thought and freedom of speech. However, as with all other freedoms, freedom of the press cannot be thought of as separate from the consciousness of responsibility. Freedom is a responsibility at the same time. Freedom of the press is not a tool for acquiring personal or institutional benefits. The media’s own institutional and management benefits should never be put ahead of the news and valid information."

Minister of Tourism Guldal Aksit, who was also among the guests at the dinner, said that it was good that representatives of news agencies from many different cultures around the world were forming an international solidarity. Meanwhile, giving a brief welcome speech to conference attendees, CEO and general director of the Anatolia News Agency, Hilmi Bengi conveyed his wishes for a successful meeting.