Amman: Jordanian Journalists Syndicate President Tareq Momani emphasized Egypt's crucial role in maintaining stability in the Arab world, asserting that any true revival in the region is contingent on Egypt's recovery and leadership.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Momani, in an interview with Egypt's Middle East News Agency (MENA), expressed the Jordanian syndicate's commitment to strengthening ties with Egypt's Journalists Syndicate. Recent discussions with Egyptian counterpart Khaled Elbalshy led to an agreement to enhance cooperation and ensure continuous communication to bolster journalism in both nations.
Momani highlighted the importance of Egypt-Jordan relations, noting both syndicates' membership in the Cairo-based Arab Journalists Union. He underscored the necessity for robust institutional connections in areas like training and capacity building, aligning with Jordan's national policy under King Abdullah II to fortify bilateral relations and synchronize stances in global forums. He also reaffirmed support for the Arab Journalists Union, aspiring for it to play a more influential role moving forward.
Discussing the Palestinian cause, Momani reiterated its significance as a core Jordanian interest, with the establishment of a Palestinian state remaining a central Arab issue. He acknowledged Jordanian media's thorough coverage of Palestine, sometimes surpassing Palestinian outlets, reflecting the issue's gravity among the Jordanian public and government. Despite Israeli restrictions during the Gaza conflict, Jordanian media persisted in coverage, utilizing limited on-ground sources and contributing to shifting global perceptions, especially in Europe.
Momani stressed the importance of unified terminology among Arab media outlets in reporting on Palestine to counter misinformation, with the Arab Journalists Union playing a pivotal role in this effort. On press freedom, he affirmed the syndicate's opposition to media restrictions, citing Jordan's pioneering Right to Access Information Law, which supports transparency without compromising press freedom.
He acknowledged changes in journalism due to technological advancements and financial pressures, emphasizing the need for fact-checking and transparency to combat misinformation. Momani outlined the syndicate's training priorities for 2025-2028, focusing on building journalists' skills and maintaining professional standards. He also emphasized the enduring value of print media, advocating for modernization and diversified revenue sources to sustain its role in truth-telling.
In conclusion, Momani underscored the syndicate's dedication to improving journalists' living conditions and skills, ensuring Jordanian journalism continues to influence public discourse and opinion effectively.