Journalists from 20 Asian countries began Friday in Bangkok a two-day workshop to exchange views on their roles in news coverage on regional issues.

The Sixth Asian Journalists Forum, jointly organized by the Japan-based Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) and Thailand's MCOT Public Company Limited (MCOT Plc), officially opened here on Friday to discuss their roles in news coverage on current regional issues such as national and international reconciliation, democratic elections and bird flu.

Nearly 30 journalists participating in the forum are from 20 Asian countries. They are Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakstan, South Korea, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Apart from giving an opportunity for the journalists in the region to discuss their roles in covering critical issues in Asia, the forum is also aimed to build up linkages of personal contacts that will enhance future co-operation beneficial to their ongoing work as interpreters of current issues.

Source: Xinhua