Azernews.Az

By Aynur Karimova

The need for a common information space in the Turkic world for quickly responding to developments, taking place not only in the region but also in the world lies at the heart of establishment of the International Turkic News Channel.

This remark was made by Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijani president’s aide for public and political affairs, head of the presidential administration’s public and political affairs department at a press conference held after a meeting of the Information Ministers and Executives in Charge of Media of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States in Astana on August 18.

Hasanov said the idea of establishing ​​a channel, which was proposed by Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev, has been supported by the leaders of Turkic states.

He added that the new channel will allow confronting the monopoly in the field of news and information, and to offer own story of the developments that are taking place.

Hasanov also noted that Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan signed a joint document in Astana in connection with the creation of the channel.

“We believe that now it is the time to enhance cooperation in the field of information and media of our countries, in particular – to sign a memorandum between the national channels and information agencies,” said Hasanov. “In this regard, the efforts and coordination of work in this sphere are very important for us. Four Turkic-speaking states, represented here, have decided to create a common news channel.”

Hasanov also underscored that Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev support this initiative.

“The country is ready to provide all the available experience in the economic, socio-political sphere to bring overall benefits to the Turkic-speaking states, for the work of news agencies and national channels,” said Hasanov.

Azerbaijani president’s aide also expressed confidence that after this the image of the Turkic world in the eyes of international community will rise and the creation of the common channel will positively impact the developments taking place in the region, and around the world.

“The International Turkic News Channel will convey the developments taking place not only in the four countries creating it, but also in neighboring countries such as Russia, Iran,” said Hasanov.

He underscored that the developments taking place in these countries will be covered impartially and independently.

Hasanov went on to add that the decision regarding the location of a headquarters of the new International Turkic News Channel will be made later.

“There is a proposal that it [the channel’s headquarters] to be located in Astana,” he said. “There will of course be national representative offices in all the Turkic-speaking countries, similar to how the ‘Mir’ television and radio company operates.”

“But this is a prerogative of the heads of states,” said Hasanov. “They will make a decision.”

Azerbaijani president’s aide also said that it is early to talk about the time of the launch of a new TV channel, since the question about its funding remains open.

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Aynur Karimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova

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