BBC Monitoring

Text of report in English by Syrian News Agency SANA website

["Syria, Yemen Establish Media Cooperation Programme" - SANA headline]

Sana'a, 28 Jan (SANA) - Following talks between Syrian Minister of Information Dr Muhsin Bilal and his Yemeni counterpart Ahmad al-Lawzi, both countries' Ministries of Information agreed to establish a media cooperation executive programme 2008-2010.

The programme aims to enhance cooperation and exchange of expertise among media establishments in both countries, in addition to media training.

The agreement includes the exchange of news services in Arabic and English, publishing and exchanging reports and televised and radio programmes. The agreement also calls for cooperation in joint production of documentaries and drama, among other things.

The two sides stressed the need to implement a joint plan for media training in various fields, in addition to delegating Syrian scenarists and directors to hold training courses in Yemen.

Dr. Bilal affirmed Syrian media! establishments' desire to cooperate with Yemeni media, inviting Yemeni journalists to participate in media events in Damascus.

Source: SANA news agency website, Damascus in English 28 Jan 08