Azerbaijani delegation meets with Romanian senators

While visiting Romania, the Azerbaijani delegation took part in a meeting at the Parliament building with a group of senators led by Senator Cristian-Augustin Niculescu-Țâgârlaș. The meeting was attended by Ismat Sattarov, Chairman of the Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ahmed Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, Vugar Aliyev, Chairman of the Board of AZERTAC, Gudsi Osmanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Romania, and other members of the delegation.

At the meeting, issues were discussed such as the strengthening of inter-parliamentary and institutional dialogue between the two countries, the exchange of experience in the fields of media and law, as well as information security and the combatting of disinformation.

Ismat Sattarov provided information on Azerbaijan’s audiovisual policy, media regulation practice, and the reforms carried out in recent years. He noted that significant steps have been taken to increase the transparency of the media environment, to develop digital broadcasting, and to strengthen the independence of public broadcasting.

The Romanian side presented its media and legal legislative experience, noting that Romania has aligned and enhanced its framework with EU requirements on audiovisual regulation, press freedom, countering disinformation, and digital-space governance.

Vugar Aliyev emphasized the projects pursued by Azerbaijan's media in the sphere of international cooperation and efforts to ensure information security, noting that cooperation with Romania in these areas would strengthen regional media stability and mutual confidence.

Ahmad Ismayilov, speaking on the reforms carried out in the media sector, the legal basis of these initiatives, as well as the work done to study and apply international experience, stated that significant measures are being implemented to integrate media resources into the digital information environment, to introduce innovative solutions, and to establish legal and ethical frameworks for the use of artificial intelligence. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in these areas.

Ambassador Gudsi Osmanov noted that the strategic partnership between the two countries is developing not only in the fields of energy and transport, but also in the sphere of information and communications. He stated that such meetings further strengthen the humanitarian and institutional foundations of Azerbaijan–Romania relations.

Senator Cristian-Augustin Niculescu-Țâgârlaș touched upon the recent official visit to Azerbaijan by the President of the Romanian Parliament, Mircea Abrudean, and his meeting with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. He assessed this meeting as a clear manifestation of the high-level development of strategic cooperation between our countries.

Participants also exchanged views on South Caucasus peace initiatives, the work of the Azerbaijan - Romania interparliamentary friendship group, energy and media diplomacy, and efforts to promote information responsibility and counter propaganda.

In conclusion, Senator Cristian-Augustin Niculescu-Țâgârlaș, highly assessing the results of the meeting, stated that legal and media cooperation between Romania and Azerbaijan will make an important contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between the European Union and the South Caucasus. The parties agreed to implement joint initiatives in this direction in the future.