UK communications executive praises openness of Shusha Global Media Forum

Leon Cook, founder of the London-based strategic communications agency Atticus Partners, has praised the format of the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, describing Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's lengthy question-and-answer session with international journalists as highly unusual.

Speaking to Azerbaijan's state news agency AZERTAC, Cook said he could not think of another world leader who would spend two and a half hours at an open forum answering questions from the media. He described the opening session as highly informative.

Cook said President Aliyev addressed a broad range of topics, including energy diplomacy, Azerbaijan's relations with the European Union and the United States, ties with its southern neighbour, and developments related to Iran. He added that bringing together media representatives from around the world to discuss such issues and allowing them to ask questions directly was a unique initiative.

He also said holding the forum in Shusha carried particular significance for him, noting that he had been unable to visit the city only a few years ago because it was not under Azerbaijani control at the time.

By Sabina Mammadli