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Azerbaijani government will continue efforts to strengthen the independence of the media, said Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijani president’s aide for public and political affairs.

He made the remarks speaking at a ceremony devoted to awarding of winners of journalistic essays dedicated to the World Azerbaijanis’ Solidarity Day and the New Year on December 25.

He said that 2015 was successful year for the national press and the media of Azerbaijan in general, which stayed in memory by significant events.

“Thanks to further development of freedom of expression and information, the foundations of which were laid by the national leader Heydar Aliyev, comprehensive state support for the free media activity, qualitative and quantitative indicators of national information resources further improved, they were able to expand their audiences and scope, having become active participants of the international information space,” Hasanov said.

He noted that the development issues of the Azerbaijani media outlets have always been in the center of attention of President Ilham Aliyev, who always treated their problems with a special responsiveness and provided the necessary support for the comprehensive development of the media.

Hasanov went on to add that over 5,000 media outlets have been registered in Azerbaijan. More than 50 TV and radio channels, 300 periodicals, over 100 magazines, dozens of news agencies, journalists' organizations, broadcasters, more than 300 active websites operate in the country.

“In accordance with the presidential decree “On the 140th anniversary of Azerbaijani National Press” dated June 2, 2015, a plan of action to hold jubilee events in connection with the 140th anniversary of Azerbaijani national press was approved,” he said. “Regional conferences were held in Azerbaijan’s Zardab, Masalli, Gabala, Guba districts and Ganja city in accordance with the plan of action.”

”In addition, the Baku State University, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as well as district and municipal executive authorities organized conferences in connection with the 140th anniversary of the national press,” he said.

It is known that the processes recently taking place in the world, particularly on global oil markets, the situation on the oil market has set certain challenges before not only major oil-producing countries, but also Azerbaijan, Hasanov added.

Hasanov went on to add that the next year will be a hard one, adding that despite this fact, Azerbaijan will overcome the difficulties.

“There are important state programs to overcome this situation,” he said.

Hasanov stressed that a citizen and his development, defense and security of the government is the basis of Azerbaijani state policy.

Baku sees Chris Smith’s bill as MP initiative

Azerbaijan regards the US Congressman Chris Smith’s bill as an MP’s initiative, Ali Hasanov said speaking to reporters in Baku.

Hasanov believes that Smith has had numerous anti-Azerbaijan initiatives.

“We believe the congressmen appreciating the interests of the US, the importance of relations and partnership with Azerbaijan won’t vote in favor of this bill,” he added.

No talks on creating US-Azerbaijan commission for human rights

No talks are underway on creating US-Azerbaijan commission for democracy and human rights, said Ali Hasanov.

He was commenting on the remarks earlier made by Assistant Secretary of State of the US Victoria Nuland about creating such a commission.

Touching upon the Azerbaijani-US relations, Hasanov said that the two countries have reduced the reciprocal visits as of recent.

“Nevertheless, we continue our relations with the US,” said Hasanov, adding that recently, a large delegation from the US visited Azerbaijan.

The top official pointed out that the two countries continue their relations at the level of embassies, foreign ministries, security services and in other spheres.

On one hand the US and Azerbaijan have strategic relations in the sphere of security and on the other hand, the two countries cooperate in energy sphere, democracy and human rights, according to Hasanov.

Although the relations are not as intensive as before, the contacts with the US continue, he added.

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