RAMALLAH, May 29, 2009 (WAFA)- A Professional Skills Enhancement for Journalists training course was concluded, Thursday, at the headquarters of the Palestine News and Information Agency (WAFA), in Ramallah.

The five-day course was organized by the French Consulate General in Jerusalem, in cooperation with Agence France Presse Foundation.

Jean-Paul Ghoneim said he was happy to meet with the participants in the training course, and that it was a first step of cooperation between the French Consulate General in Jerusalem. Mr. Ghoneim expressed hope in the continuation of this cooperation and its development in the future.

He pointed out that this cooperation is part of a strategy to support of the institutions of the Palestinian National Authority, in particular news agencies which are a step on the way to building a democratic and independent Palestinian State.

He added: Cooperation in this area aims to build a real media institution that has the credibility and transparency, and be able to make the voice of Palestine heard by everyone, so we concentrate on developing the skills of journalists and their abilities.

In his turn, Chairman of WAFA Agency, Riyad Al-Hassan said that this course is the beginning of a partnership with the French Consulate General in Jerusalem, and expressed hope of continuing this cooperation, adding that this project is a part of WAFA’s dream.

He added, “we know the AFP’s level of professionalism, and hope that WAFA reaches this level, knowing that human resources development should not wait for the general circumstances to be suitable.”