Algerian Minister of Communication Laagab Receives South Korean Ambassador to Enhance Bilateral Cooperation

Algiers, November 5, 2023 – Dr. Mohamed Laagab, the Algerian Minister of Communication, hosted a cordial meeting this Sunday morning with His Excellency Mr. You Ki Jun, the Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea to Algeria.

The meeting served as a valuable opportunity for both parties to review the strong and strategic ties between Algeria and South Korea, particularly in the realms of media and communication. Algeria stands out as the sole African nation engaged in a strategic partnership with South Korea.

       

Minister Laagab emphasized the exceptional nature of these relations, expressing his commitment to further development and enrichment through the activation and enhancement of cooperation agreements between various Algerian and South Korean media outlets. Of particular significance is the 2006 agreement between the Algerian News Agency and its Korean counterpart.

In a related context, the Minister emphasized the necessity of expanding bilateral cooperation in the media sector to include public and private television, with the aim of enhancing Algeria’s audiovisual landscape and benefiting from South Korea’s extensive experience in this field, especially in television broadcasting and streaming platforms.

Minister Laagab also underscored the role of training initiatives for Algerian and South Korean journalists, suggesting that such training should encompass not only technical aspects but also knowledge sharing and the exchange of media delegations. This cooperation would contribute to the promotion of both countries and their positive image on the global stage, recognizing the pivotal role of media in shaping perceptions.

In this regard, the Minister proposed taking advantage of the upcoming season of desert tourism to host a South Korean media delegation, allowing them to explore Algeria’s tourism potential.

Furthermore, the Minister invited South Korean media professionals to familiarize themselves with Algerian investment laws and promote these opportunities through their reporting. This would unlock the potential for increased positive interactions and partnerships between Algeria and South Korea.

Ambassador You Ki Jun expressed his complete readiness to strengthen and develop the mutual cooperation between Algeria and South Korea while reinforcing the partnership between the two countries. He assured that all necessary measures would be taken to harness South Korean expertise across various fields, emphasizing the importance of sharing ideas and opinions that would elevate Algerian-South Korean relations.

Ambassador You Ki Jun also commended the extensive and professional media coverage provided by Algerian media during the South Korean cultural week in Algeria, expressing his admiration for Algerian culture and its diverse customs and traditions.

In a discussion about the role of media in bridging gaps between nations, Minister Laagab raised concerns about stereotypical portrayals of Western media, particularly their biased coverage of events in Gaza. He noted the inconsistency in the Western media’s narrative, calling for a more balanced approach.

To conclude the meeting, both sides exchanged symbolic gifts that symbolize the rich cultural heritage of both Algeria and South Korea. This event serves as a testament to the commitment of both nations to strengthen their bonds and deepen their cooperation in the field of media and communication.