Honoring the editorial team at the "National News Agency"

The Italian-Arab Friendship Association, represented by the head of the association's economic committee, Abdelkader Omeich, and media official colleague Talal Khreis, honored the editorial team of the "National News Agency" in appreciation of the efforts made by its employees under challenging circumstances to maintain it as a platform for all Lebanese factions.

A luncheon was held on the occasion in the May 25 Hall at the agency, attended by the Minister of Information in the caretaker government, Ziad Makary, the Director General of the Ministry, Dr. Hassan Falha, the Director of the "National News Agency," Ziad Harfouche, the Director of "Radio Lebanon," Mohamed Gharib, the Head of the Bureau Service, Walid Fleiti, the Director of Studies and Publications, Khadr Majed, the Head of the General News Division, Rana Shehab Al-Din, and several employees from the agency and ministry departments.

Makary

The event began with a speech by Minister Makary, who thanked the association for its initiative in honoring the journalists working at the "National News Agency," "who are truly appreciated given the difficult conditions they work under. They continue to be productive and dedicated, striving to keep the national agency resonating in the media landscape, conveying the real and true image with honesty, transparency, and without bias."

Makary promised to "continue efforts to ensure justice for the employees of the 'National News Agency' and in all departments of the ministry."

Omeich

In his speech, Omeich described the journalists working at the "National News Agency" as "messengers of truth and bearers of the nation's trust, a nation suffering from wounds and pain." He said, "A heartfelt salute to each of you, filled with all forms of appreciation and gratitude for your continued efforts to convey the cries of the Lebanese people and the wounds of the Lebanese state, despite your difficult circumstances. Your continued work to deliver the image of Lebanon, which is almost turning into a country we no longer recognize or resemble, is clear proof of your sincere love for this afflicted nation. Thank you for accepting our invitation to this family gathering."

He added, "This meeting is a reaffirmation that Lebanese journalists, in these difficult circumstances, still seek freedom—freedom of expression in a free media to serve a democratic, pluralistic, sovereign, and independent Lebanon.

We at the Italian-Arab Friendship Association appreciate and value your work, sacrifices, and challenging working conditions. We will not hesitate to support you in international forums until Lebanon emerges from its crisis stronger and more united, and you return to conveying Lebanon's true image to the outside world."

Omeich concluded, "Lebanon is the jewel of countries, a destination for tourists, researchers, and free journalists. May you continue to write only from the ink of truth, for which many of your predecessors paid their lives to spread."

Falha

Falha then spoke, saying, "Today, we are meeting with the Italian-Arab Friendship Association, which has previously extended a helping hand to the 'National News Agency' when it was heavily damaged by the Beirut Port explosion." He pointed out that "the association was among the first to assist in reconstruction before any other party."

He confirmed that "this effort strengthens the continuation of the agency, which belongs to all of Lebanon, its people, and its sects, and also strengthens the relationship between Italy and Lebanon on the cultural, social, and economic levels." He noted the "common grounds between the two countries that we are working to enhance, which are not limited to politics but also include humanitarian, cultural, and developmental dimensions, in addition to strengthening relations between East and West." He affirmed that "Lebanon has a pivotal role in this regard."

Falha praised the "National News Agency" as "an essential and successful public sector institution that plays a crucial role in restoring balance in Lebanon."

Harfouche

Next, the director of the "National News Agency" spoke, explaining the difficult conditions the agency is experiencing and the challenging circumstances under which the employees are working. "However, they continue to embody the agency's name as a national unifying platform, serving everyone and working for everyone despite the harsh conditions." He praised the agency's staff, who "embody the image of the nation, as a unifying national family."