KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) — The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cuba’s news agency Prensa Latina to foster stronger media collaboration between the two nations.
Bernama’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, said the collaboration reinforces Bernama’s role as a global news player, ensuring accurate and credible reports on Malaysia reach international audiences.
“This partnership underscores Bernama’s commitment to strengthening international media relations, expanding global reach, and enhancing news exchange between Malaysia and Cuba,” she told Bernama after the signing ceremony on Thursday (Feb 13).
Nur-ul Afida signed the MoU on behalf of Bernama, while the Cuban Ambassador to Malaysia, Florentino Batista Gonzalez, represented Prensa Latina.
The ceremony was witnessed by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and his Cuban counterpart Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla, along with other government officials and diplomats.
Nur-ul Afida highlighted that the agreement aligns with the growing bilateral ties between Malaysia and Cuba across various sectors, including technology and the economy.
“Prensa Latina sees Bernama’s role as helping in the distribution of content, especially news materials and photos, to the Cuban community through the news agency.
“Discussions with Cuban Ambassador to Malaysia recently highlighted how the MoU would allow both agencies to expand the coverage of each other’s countries,” she added.
She said the signing of the MoU also coincides with the visit of Cuba’s Foreign Minister to Malaysia and the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Nur-ul Afida expressed hope that the collaboration would introduce Bernama to more media organisations in Cuba and facilitate journalist and photographer exchanges in the future.
With rapid advancements in the media industry and emerging technologies, she said it would be beneficial for Bernama to gain insights into how media professionals in Cuba operate.
At the same time, she emphasised that the collaboration would also allow Bernama to showcase its role as a news agency under Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications, highlighting national developments that can enhance the country’s global reputation.
The MoU establishes a framework for seamless collaboration between Bernama and Prensa Latina in several areas, including news and content exchange.
Both agencies will share news reports, special programmes and documentaries, while ensuring proper credit is given to sources, as any editing, translation, or adaptation will preserve the original meaning and context.
Additionally, the agreement paves the way for potential joint initiatives in media research, consultancy services, and content production.
It will remain in effect for two years and will be automatically renewed unless either party decides otherwise, with regular consultations to assess its effectiveness and explore improvements.
— BERNAMA