Top presidential foreign policy aide highlights Azerbaijan's stand against disinformation

Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department at the Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev has underscored Azerbaijan's resilience against disinformation campaigns during a recent statement.

Hajiyev made these remarks at the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum, Caliber.Az reports citing the local media.

Addressing Azerbaijan's history as a victim of disinformation, Hajiyev pointed out Armenia's portrayal of itself as a victim during the 30-year occupation of Azerbaijani territories.

He emphasised that Azerbaijan confronted extensive disinformation efforts during the 44-day second Karabakh war, highlighting President Ilham Aliyev's interviews with international media as pivotal in countering false narratives.

"In the face of extensive disinformation, President Ilham Aliyev's interviews with international media were instrumental in debunking falsehoods," Hajiyev remarked.

Looking towards future relations with Armenia, Hajiyev disclosed Azerbaijan's proactive approach. He revealed Azerbaijan's proposal to Armenia in 2021 to establish fundamental principles as a basis for good neighbourly relations, independent of a comprehensive peace agreement.

"As early as 2021, we suggested Armenia agree on foundational principles that could pave the way for positive neighbourly relations between our countries," he stated.

When questioned about the timeline for reaching an agreement on these principles, Hajiyev affirmed that progress could be achieved before COP29, scheduled to take place in Baku in November 2024.

The 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum on "Unmasking False Narratives: Confronting Disinformation" is taking place in the cultural capital of Azerbaijan on July 20-22.

The Forum, attended by over 150 foreign guests from around 50 countries, including news agencies of 30 countries, three international organizations, and 82 media entities, provides a platform for joint discussions and actions among participants.

The first Shusha Global Media Forum themed “New Media in the Era of the 4th Industrial Revolution” was held on July 21-23, 2023.

The forum includes four panel sessions on "Assessing Impact: Setting the Scope of Disinformation", "Policies and Initiatives for Building a More Disinformation Resistant Society", "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Reality, Media and Disinformation: Promoting Media Literacy" and "The Climate Movement and Media".

Officials, media and civil society, government officials and businessmen, representatives of international organisations and media experts from various countries exchange views and experiences at the panel sessions.

These sessions facilitate discussions among officials from various countries, media and civil society representatives, international organization representatives, and media experts. Participants will exchange views and share experiences on the highlighted topics.