KATHMANDU, NEPAL: A delegation of Bangladeshi journalists representing the SAARC Journalist Forum paid a courtesy call on SAARC Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Friday.

During the meeting, the journalists discussed a range of issues concerning regional media cooperation, press freedom and the role of the media in promoting peace, economic development and cultural understanding among South Asian countries.

The delegation stressed the importance of responsible and professional journalism in reducing misunderstandings and strengthening ties among the nations of the region. They also highlighted the need for greater cooperation among journalists to address common challenges, including climate change, trade, business and socio-economic development.

The journalists said stronger media collaboration could help the people of South Asia better understand one another and contribute to regional peace and prosperity. They also called for increased opportunities for journalists from SAARC member states to exchange professional experiences and work together on issues of common interest.

Ambassador Golam Sarwar expressed his support for initiatives aimed at promoting peace, prosperity and the development of journalism for the welfare of the people of the South Asian region.

He emphasized the importance of cross-border professional dialogue and institutional cooperation among journalists of SAARC member states. Such cooperation, he said, can contribute to stronger regional understanding and closer people-to-people ties.

The meeting also underscored the important role of journalists in highlighting issues that affect the everyday lives of people across South Asia and in promoting constructive dialogue among the region`s countries.

The Bangladeshi delegation included Md. Abdur Rahman, Secretary General of the SAARC Journalist Forum and Senior Correspondent of The Bangladesh Post; Mustaq Ahmed Mubaraqui, Editor of The Daily Bangabani; Md. Ziaur Rahman, Special Correspondent of The Daily Ajkal; Mohammad Moniruzzaman, Editor of Daily Bank Bima Arthority; and Md. Abu Bakar Siddique, Senior Correspondent of Daily Ajker Probhat.

The meeting is expected to further strengthen professional links between journalists in Bangladesh and their counterparts across the SAARC region, while encouraging greater media cooperation for peace, development and regional understanding.