By Aji Fatou Jammeh
The Gambia News Agency (GAMNA) under the Department of Information Services (DOIS) on Thursday, 31st March 2022 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The MOU entails collaboration in news exchange, media trainings, institutional support, among others. The agreement is part of WAM's plans to promote partnerships with various media outlets around the world and consolidate its presence on the international scene as a reliable multilingual news outlet.
Madam Isatou Davies-Ann, Director of Information Services (DOIS) signed on behalf of GAMNA while Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, Director General of WAM signed on behalf of his Emirati media agency. The two parties will exchange daily news stories as well as photos and videos for use and distribution on the various media platforms run by them and their partners in various languages.
During the signing ceremony, Director Isatou Davies Ann said she looks forward to enhancing cooperation with WAM and benefitting from its multiple media services. She explained that The Gambian media encountered lot of setbacks during the dictatorship era between 1994 and 2017; but that the democratic Barrow administration has provided the enabling environment for the media to operate and thrive.
Mr. Rayssi said WAM is keen to support the media sector on account of its significant role in promoting sustainable development in the two countries.
He extended WAM’s invitation to The Gambia to the Global Media Congress in November 2022 in Abu Dhabi. Organized by WAM, the Congress will showcase invited media companies, agencies and others that are providing services for the media.
"The Congress will have innovation section, entertainment, sports and other activities with media outlets from different parts of the world such as Africa, and Latin America. Guest speakers will talk about innovation and future of the media,” DG Rayssi explained.
Madam Isatou Davies-Ann thanked WAM for the invitation and hospitality accorded her and her delegation. She expressed her readiness in ensuring the active participation of GAMNA in the impending Global Media and ensuring its sustainability.
The Director was accompanied to the UAE by Prince Bubacarr Aminata Sankanu, Principal Information Officer and Aji Fatou Jammeh, Senior Information Officer.