(ANSA) - ROME, 09 SET - Cooperation between news agencies is crucial in the fight against fake news, Kiril Valchev, Secretary General of ABNA, said on the sidelines of the "The Balkans Meet inTrieste" conference, organized by the ANSA news agency on the occasion of the 34th General Assembly of the Association of Balkan News Agencies Southeast Europe (ABNA), under the patronage of the Central European Initiative (CEI). "The last three or four years have provided an excellent example of how to respond to disinformation through greater cooperation among news agencies and the daily exchange of truthful news, countering the fake news circulating on social networks," said Valchev. "Cooperation between news agencies and meetings like this are extremely important," said Valchev. "More than thirty years ago, we launched an informal organization; four years ago, we officially registered the Association of Balkan News Agencies. "Three years ago, Italy—and ANSA in particular—agreed to join ABNA, recognizing Italy's belonging to the Balkan region, given that—as everyone agrees—Trieste is geographically located in the Balkans or serves as the gateway to them." Valchev also noted that "our association has established a daily presence on Facebook; the goal is to extend this to other platforms, as all these channels are crucial for reaching an ever-wider audience with authentic, high-quality news." "On the other hand, although global agencies maintain high standards"—he added—"they often lack the time needed to delve into local news; that is why our collaboration plays a crucial role." (ANSA).