Damascus, April 14 (SANA) – Syrian Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa discussed Tuesday with Jean-Baptiste Faivre, Chargé d’Affaires of the French Embassy in Damascus, ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the media sector and prospects for its development in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both countries.
During the meeting held at the Ministry of Information building in Damascus, al-Mustafa presented an overview of recent developments in the Syrian media landscape, noting that the current year will focus on organizing media work and strengthening communication.
He explained that plans include establishing a Government Communication Center, developing local media, and granting provincial media directorates broader authorities, allowing each directorate to function as a central media body within its governorate, alongside the launch of local platforms addressing citizens’ concerns and local news.
Al-Mustafa also highlighted the growing digital challenges, noting that Syria faces daily misinformation campaigns targeting social fabric. In response, the ministry has established a unit to combat digital misinformation, tasked with monitoring such campaigns and countering them through digital and field verification.
Another unit has also been created to monitor media and digital engagement on various issues, with the aim of building preventive media capacity capable of addressing misinformation campaigns.
Al-Mustafa stressed the ministry’s interest in strengthening media capacity-building, expressing willingness to expand cooperation with France to provide specialized training programs for media professionals.
For his part, the French chargé d’affaires expressed appreciation for the facilities provided by the Syrian government to international media outlets, particularly French media, and affirmed France’s readiness to enhance communication with Syria and develop a comprehensive program for media cooperation between the two sides.
The talks come within broader efforts to develop Syria’s media sector, counter digital misinformation, and expand international cooperation to modernize media performance.
Kh.A
