ISLAMABAD, Oct 18: Ambassador of France to Pakistan Regis de Belenet has said two French institutes will collaborate with the Islamabad Media University to enhance professional standards of mediapersons in accordance with international norms, and to promote press freedom.

He stated this at a meeting with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Durrani here on Thursday, says a press release.

“AFP Foundation and the Higher School of Journalism are two prestigious French institutions that train journalists in developing countries and give assistance to various organisations in media training,” said the ambassador, adding that their aim was to promote higher standards of journalism around the world.

He said in addition to training services, these institutes would also provide educational materials to schools and universities besides organising seminars about vital issues such as press freedom, ethics and women’s status in news media. It will not merely result in better reporting but will also strive to reduce poverty and other challenges through independent and responsible media.

Speaking on the occasion, the information minister said the media university would start operating shortly. He said the government was collaborating with different leading western institutions. “We are planning to build the capacity of our media professionals by providing them with the best possible training and learning opportunities both at home and abroad,” he said.

He said the government had always strived to provide maximum opportunities to the media.

He welcomed Pakistan-French collaboration in media training and hoped that the initiative would usher in a new era of friendship between the two countries.