The Bulgaria News Agency (BNA) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) are set to partner to further deepen 57 years of the diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Nigeria.
Mr Yanko Yordanov, Amb. of Bulgaria to Nigeria, disclosed this during his courtesy visit to the Managing Director of NAN, Mr Buki Ponle, on Monday in Abuja.
He noted that much would be learnt about both countries when the partnership became fully implemented, after the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by both agencies.
According to him, the partnership will be centred on what Bulgaria and Nigeria could do together, in very important areas of cooperation through the exchange of news.
Yordanov said: “Bulgaria and Nigeria have witnessed a very long history of friendship and cooperation, which dates back to 57 years ago; these years both countries enjoyed fruitful cooperation.
“Now in Bulgaria, we remember those days and definitely want to get them back to reality, we believe that media contact is an important dimension for cooperation between BNA and NAN.
“So, I am here to express my satisfaction as an Ambassador and finalise the agreement between BNA and NAN, and to extend the regards of the Director General of BNA to you.
“If agreeable in December this agreement can come in to force through signing of MoU; the importance of this document relates not only to the whole perception about cooperation between our countries.
“So, we believe now NAN will present its narrative on what is going on in Nigeria to Bulgaria and vice versa, BNA will offer you our presentation of events in Bulgaria”.
He described the MoU, which would be signed sometime in December 2021, to be timely, saying it will form an important tool for strengthening cooperation between Bulgaria and Nigeria.
“When it enters into force, it will bolster trade between Bulgaria business operators and Nigerians, promote economic cooperation, strengthen institutions in terms of security, agriculture.
“I am very happy to be one mediating between BNA and NAN; hopefully this cooperation will be fruitful and will develop our both nations,” he said.
Responding, Ponle stated that since NAN was established by the Federal Government, it operated in tandem with its mandate on reporting news responsibly and objectively about Nigeria and Nigerians.
He said that since NAN commenced operations in 1978, it established stations located within Africa, Europe, Asia and America, but due to paucity of funds the foreign stations were reduced to three.
According to him, one each are functional in South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire and New York; adding that plans are underway to open more offices, maybe this time around in Bulgaria.
“We want to strengthen our force and we want to resonate not only in Nigeria, but all over the world, as the largest news content producer in Africa, because it is strategic.
“We know Bulgaria in terms of trade, investment and culture, and these are things we want to project to Nigerians and other areas in the world.
“So much has been said about negative perceptions about Nigeria, but when you come into the country you are convinced that the opposite is the case,” Ponle said.
“Yes, there can be challenges which we are trying to overcome, very soon all these spate of kidnapping and banditry will be over.
“The Federal Government is on top of the situation and to deal decisively with the situation to end the vices,” Ponle said.
He noted that NAN evolved into a cutting-edge News Agency and has offices across the country with many subscribers that mostly consist of foreign news agencies where it exchanges news items.
He disclosed that the agency planned to expand its frontiers to meet new age operations and to strengthen its media relationship, adding that it is not going to be business as usual.
He, however, said that the agency is focused on all issues of topical interest within and outside Nigeria, saying when the partnership comes into full operation both countries will mutually benefit.
The high point of the event was the presentation of a literary gift by Yordanov to Ponle. (NAN)
