Lithuanian journalist at Shusha forum: Azerbaijan proves itself as resilient and reliable country

Azerbaijan is confidently asserting itself as a strong, resilient, and reliable country—one that can withstand immense challenges while steadily advancing on the path of sustainable development.

This assessment was shared by renowned Lithuanian military journalist Richardas Lapaitis on the sidelines of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum in Khankendi on July 19, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

According to Lapaitis, these qualities were especially evident during President Ilham Aliyev’s recent meeting with the forum’s participants. He noted that the Azerbaijani leader displayed firm political will, strategic vision, and a rare openness to direct and sincere dialogue with the international community.

“It is especially symbolic that the meeting took place in the city of Khankendi, which has experienced many tragic events in the past. That in itself is a message to the world. I was deeply impressed by the president’s speech. You rarely see anything like that. I say this with full responsibility: the questions asked in the hall were quite candid. And there were representatives from 52 countries in the room — each with its own interests and perspective,” Lapaitis said.

He emphasised that President Aliyev answered even the most challenging questions without hesitation or evasion.

“As I see it, the president of Azerbaijan faced a choice: either resort to diplomatic phrasing and vague answers, or provide an open, honest, and fair response. What I witnessed yesterday were truly direct and sincere answers, with no attempt to avoid the core issues. I have never encountered such a level of candor at international forums before,” the journalist stressed.

The 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, held from July 19 to 21, in Khankendi, Shusha, Azerbaijan, is themed “Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI.” Launched in 2023, the forum has become a prominent platform for global media dialogue, addressing critical issues like disinformation, media sustainability, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in journalism.

The event symbolises Azerbaijan’s post-conflict recovery and growing role in international discourse. It attracts over 140 participants from 52 countries, including representatives from more than 30 news agencies, 7 international organisations, and nearly 80 media outlets, alongside Azerbaijani media professionals, experts, and officials.

By Khagan Isayev