SEOUL: The delegation of the Omani Journalists Association (OJA) on Friday met with Gianni Merlo, President of the International Sports Press Federation, coinciding with the meetings of The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) 85th Congress which concluded in Seoul last week.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation and the importance of participating in the implementation of joint activities at the international and Asian levels.
Merlo praised the effectiveness of the Omani Journalists Association, pointing to its success in hosting the meeting of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Congress last May in Muscat.
He stressed that the Sultanate of Oman had unique characteristics, as it possesses the historical heritage, charming nature, international security, and the ability of its youth to organise international events. He also hoped that they would work together to serve the sports journalists in the Sultanate of Oman.
Salem bin Hamad al Jawhari, OJA Vice-President, hailed the growing relations between OJA and the International Federation and appreciated the keenness of the president to work closely and to further enhance cooperation between the two sides.
Participants from the OJA took part in the 85th Congress, which was held in Seoul, South Korea, from May 8 to 12, which saw the participation of over 77 countries.
The conference also took stock of the Ukraine war situation and the suffering of Ukrainian media professionals. It also highlighted the loss of more than 200 athletes and the destruction of over 59 sports facilities due to the war.
A short video was also relayed about the participation of Sudanese journalists in the events currently taking place in Sudan.
NEXT CONGRESS IN SPAIN
It was also announced that Santa Susanna, a municipality in Spain, will host the next Congress during the summer of 2024, and a short film was shown about the city and its nature. Pretor who announced said the city is not far from Barcelona and said the guests will be welcomed heartily.
Gianni Merlo, confirmed that the federation is preparing to celebrate the centenary of its founding, which falls next year, as it was scheduled to take place in Paris. But as Paris is getting ready to host the 2024 Olympic Games and the inability to obtain hotels for accommodation, it was decided that it will be held in the city of Santa Fe.
Pretor received the flag of the International Sports Press Federation from Korea’s Hee Don Jung, President of the Asian Sports Press Federation and the current host President. He also noted that Spain will host the World Congress for the fifth time. The 85th Congress concluded its activities with a brief speech by Merlo, in which he spoke about the conditions suffered by sports journalists all over the world.
