Bucharest: The Azerbaijani Embassy in Romania hosted a pivotal meeting with Member of the European Parliament Cristian Terhes, APA reports. Azerbaijan’s media officials, including Vugar Aliyev, Chairman of the Board of AZERTAC; Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency; Ismat Sattarov, Chairman of the Audiovisual Council; and Gudsi Osmanov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Romania, were present to discuss enhancing collaboration between the European Union and Azerbaijan in the media sectors and addressing regional information security.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Cristian Terhes underscored the European Parliament’s commitment to fostering peace and dialogue in the South Caucasus. He commended Azerbaijan’s modern approach to information policy, its support for media independence, and its advancements in digital transformation. The meeting spotlighted Azerbaijan’s influential role in the region post-peace establishment. Terhes praised the Joint Declaration signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington, D.C., with U.S. participation, as a significant move towards enhanced cooperation in the South Caucasus.

Vugar Aliyev, Ahmad Ismayilov, and Ismat Sattarov highlighted the importance of Azerbaijani media’s international integration and its active engagement in the European information sphere. They pointed out that Azerbaijani media organizations are expanding their cooperation with leading European information agencies through collaborative projects, journalist exchanges, and training programs.

Ambassador Gudsi Osmanov emphasized that the robust political and economic ties between Azerbaijan and Romania create new avenues for media cooperation. He urged Cristian Terhes to assist in ensuring that the European public receives accurate information about Azerbaijan’s realities, especially concerning peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts in the region.

The dialogue also covered topics such as combating disinformation, enhancing digital media literacy, improving access to European experience for young journalists, and bolstering public communication on energy security. In conclusion, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to reinforcing media cooperation and launching joint initiatives to expand Azerbaijan-Europe information links.