Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay has declared the government is happy with the progress of the Anadolu Agency (AA) as a news agency in recent years.
During a visit to the United States, Atalay toured the AA's Washington Bureau and said on Monday: "The Anadolu Agency is located in the prestigious National Press Building in Washington, and having a beautiful office here is a gain for us."
"The AA has started services in different languages and has opened offices in various countries. I congratulate and want to express my contentment over the commendable progress of the Anadolu Agency," he said.
Atalay looked around the AA Washington Bureau and was briefed about its activities.
Atalay admired the AA's English and Arabic broadcasts - as well as its Turkish services - and also the appointment of native-speaker reporters in the languages.
- 'Brilliant reflection of Turkey'
He said: “the Anadolu Agency's progress contents us. The AA was founded before the foundation of the Republic of Turkey, and it is one of our most important institutions."
"The presence of the Anadolu Agency in Washington will be a brilliant reflection of Turkey with its news, and this reflection will be even better on Turkey with the AA's presence here."
The Washington bureau will cover news from across the U.S. and is set to become one of the most important news hubs in the country in the field of diplomacy, politics and finance, the agency has previously stated.
Located one block away from the White House and within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol, the bureau will largely contribute to the Anadolu Agency's Turkish, English and Arabic broadcasting services.
As part of its Centennial Vision, the AA has decided to divide its global network into five main regions, including the Americas, Europe, Middle East-Africa, Asia-Caucasus and Asia-Pacific.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
