Media cooperation with Russia to contribute to strengthening bilateral ties: Faisal Zahid Malik
Russia’s top state news agency Rossiya Segodnya (RIA Novosti, Sputnik) entered into a landmark partnership with Pakistan Observer on Friday with an aim to broadening cooperation such as exchange of news content, countering fake news and propaganda and above all fostering people-to-people relations between the two countries through media cooperation.
Director of the International Cooperation, Sputnik, Mr Vasily Pushkov and Chairman & Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer Mr Faisal Zahid Malik signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of their respective news organizations.
Chairman & Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer Mr Faisal Zahid Malik, Director of the International Cooperation, Rossiya Segodnya (RIA Novosti, Sputnik), Mr Vasily Pushkov, Press Attache of the Russian Federation Mr Igor Kolesnikov and Head of Pakistan Observer’s Social Media Team, Mr Ebraheem Malik exchanging views during Mr Vasily Pushkov’s visit to Pakistan Observer’s offices for signing of an MoU between RIA Novosti and Pakistan Observer on Friday.—PO photo by Sh Arif
Press Attache of the Russian Federation Mr Igor Kolesnikov and Head of Pakistan Observer’s Social Media team, Mr Ebraheem Malik were also present on the occasion.
The MoU was signed during the visit of Mr Vasily Pushkov to the offices of Pakistan Observer. Through this media cooperation Rossiya Segodnya (the parent organization of Sputnik and RIA Novosti) will be able to use Pakistan Observer’s content and publish its features on its websites or use its stories in its broadcast. Likewise, Pakistan Observer will also have access to Sputnik, RIA Novosti and other outlets that are operating under the umbrella of Rossiya Segodnya.
Chairman & Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer Mr Faisal Zahid Malik presenting bouquet to Director of the International Cooperation, Rossiya Segodnya (RIA Novosti, Sputnik), Mr Vasily Pushkov on Friday.—PO photo
After the signing ceremony, Mr Faisal Malik in his brief speech termed the MoU a significant step towards strengthening media ties between the two top media houses of Russia and Pakistan. This partnership, he said would facilitate greater exchange of content, collaborative initiatives and enhanced communication thereby contributing to deeper mutual understanding and stronger people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Russia through joint media initiatives.
Russia, he said is a trusted friend of Pakistan and has always assisted in Pakistan’s infrastructure, energy and industry uplift. Diplomatic relations between Russia and Pakistan were established forming the foundation of a relationship built on mutual respect and constructive engagement. Through decades this association has been strengthened through landmark initiatives, most notably the establishment of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), a flagship project realized with the Russian technical and industrial support, said Mr Faisal Zahid Malik.
Mr Vasily Pushkov also hailed the agreement with Pakistan Observer saying the cooperation with Pakistan Observer will open windows in both countries to introduce each other’s countries to their people. Pakistan Observer, he said is considered a truly representative newspaper of Pakistan and many Russian think tanks and government departments follow its articles and reports.
Our reporters at the Rossiya Segodnya can use Pakistan Observer’s content and stories and vice versa. This cooperation he said is based on enduring partnership and would enable both the media organizations not only to enhance cooperation but also face and counter challenges such as fake news and false propaganda.
Through Pakistan Observer, the Russian people will know Pakistan, said Mr Vasily. Press Attache of the Russian Federation Mr Igor Kolesnikov appreciated Pakistan Observer’s constructive role in promoting bilateral relations and people-to-people ties between the Russia and Pakistan. The leadership of Pakistan Observer deserves credit for continuing the golden legacy of the Founder Editor-in-Chief late Zahid Malik who believed in strong Russia-Pakistan Friendship, he said.
