Dili: Tatoli, the national news agency of Timor-Leste, has expressed its desire to establish strategic cooperation and exchange news content with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) to strengthen media relations in the ASEAN region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tatoli's president, Noemio Falcao, stated that the cooperation plan includes the exchange of news content, ongoing training for journalists, and internship opportunities for journalists and editors from both sides. Falcao hopes that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) can be finalized by the 47th ASEAN Summit on October 26th in Kuala Lumpur.

Earlier, Falcao welcomed a 10-member delegation from Bernama, led by Acting Deputy Editor-in-Chief of News Services Mohd Shukri Ishak, at the Tatoli office in Dili. The delegation has been in Timor-Leste for a special coverage assignment lasting eight days since September 15.

Tatoli, established nine years ago, currently has 41 reporters and editors, including five correspondents in five districts, with plans to add seven more correspondents for comprehensive regional coverage. The agency operates as a multimedia news platform through the web and YouTube, with plans to expand to TikTok and Instagram channels next year.

Bernama has been chosen as the official media and coordinator of the international media centre for the ASEAN Summit 2025 during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship.