The Kyrgyzstan Association of Publishers and Distributors of Print Media has joined the World Association of Newspapers, WAN announced Saturday.

The Kyrgyzstan association was formed in 2008 in an attempt to improve press freedom and protect the business opportunities available to the country's newspaper industry. Kyrgyzstan was ranked 111th out of 173 in the World Press Freedom Index complied by Reporters Without Borders.

Journalists and press freedom have suffered in Kyrgyzstan where the government exerts much influence over the media and distribution outlets. Journalists that have opposed the ruling government have been subjected to physical violence and criminal prosecution.

The Kyrgyzstan Association of Publishers and Distributors represents 17 weekly and monthly newspapers and operates a journalist association, bookstores, two foundations, a printing press and a training centre for the benefit of its members.

The World Association of Newspapers formally inducted the Kyrgyzstan association at a board meeting on Saturday in Barcelona, Spain.

Based in Paris, WAN is a global organisation aimed at the promotion and defense of press freedom for newspapers and the economic and business development of the newspaper industry. The association represents more than 18,000 publications worldwide including 78 national newspaper associations, 12 news agencies and 11 regional and world-wide press groups.