Head of the socio-political affairs department at the Azerbaijani
President`s Administration Ali Hasanov has met leadership of Iran`s
National Radio and Television Company, including chairman Izzatullah
Zargami and vice-chairmen Mohammad Sarafraz, Seyid Mohammad Huseyni and
Ali Asgari.
During the meetings the sides discussed Azerbaijan`s and Iran`s
information policy, in particular the activity of media outlets, which
have recently been distorting a real situation in both countries.
Hasanov highlighted Azerbaijan`s achievements in ensuring the freedom of
speech and press, the country`s successes in TV and information and
communication technologies sectors.
The sides touched upon the fact that some internal forces in Azerbaijan
and Iran and external forces, which are interested in undermining the
relations between the two countries, were effectively using information
as a tool for achieving their goals. They agreed that mutual
anti-propaganda campaign did not serve the national and state interests
of Azerbaijan and Iran.
Hasanov stressed the necessity of putting an end to an anti-Azerbaijani
propaganda of Iranian media outlets, adding both countries should treat
each other with respect. Hasanov said: “Iran has a moral right to demand
the same from Azerbaijan too. The history of Azerbaijan and Iran
require that they live in peace and sincere friendship. And this
requires that both sides show respect to each other`s socio-political
and domestic life, and governance system.”
“Under national leader Heydar Aliyev, the people of Azerbaijan embarked
on the path towards democratic development, and will continue moving
forward on this path in order to ensure its bright future. This policy
is being successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev.”
Hasanov added: “The government of Azerbaijan attaches a particular
emphasis to strengthening the protection of human rights and freedoms,
developing the freedom of speech, the freedom of press and the freedom
of religion.” Zargami welcomed Hasanov`s remarks, stressing the importance of building a sound information space.
He also emphasized the necessity of building multi-faceted and mutual
ties in information and communication technologies sector between Iran
and Azerbaijan. Chairman of Azerbaijan National TV and Radio Council Nushiravan
Maharramov, deputy minister of communication and information
technologies Iltimas Mammadov and Azerbaijan`s ambassador to Iran
Javanshir Akhundov made remarks at the meeting.
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AzerTAc/