On February 25th the Council of Heads of State News Agencies of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS Information Council) has convened in Baku for its 16th meeting. The event was attended by heads of state news agencies of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan and Ukraine, as well as representatives of the CIS Executive Committee. Addressing the meeting director general of Azerbaijan State Telegraph Agency (AzerTAc) Aslan Aslanov said the role and importance of the CIS Information Council increases at the time of the formation of information society. He hailed the activities of the Council, saying it plays a pivotal role in building a common information space between Europe and Asia, coordinating the work of national news agencies, and strengthening the experience exchange.
“All these issues help us increase our ability to compete in the world information market.” The Director General said “today we will discuss the activity and tasks of the CIS Information Council, internet journalism during the rapid development of information technologies, relations between social networks and traditional media, as well as cooperation among member agencies under Belarus` CIS presidency concept.” The AzerTAc Director General touched upon the preparations for the Victory Day, saying: “This is our common past, and we must always discuss ways of promoting awareness of the contribution of each former Soviet republic to ensuring the victory over fascism.”
Chairman of the CIS Council of Heads of State News Agencies Vitaly Ignatenko made a report on the activities and further priorities of the Council. Ignatenko noted joint activity in information sphere was an important factor in strengthening mutual understanding and confidence among peoples, as well as deepening integration of CIS member states. He pointed out the agenda of today`s meeting includes important questions on cooperation among CIS news agencies. “We will also speak about historical days which are important for our peoples. I must particularly underline that this year marks the 90th anniversary of national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev.”
Sergey Mikhaylov, who was elected as new chairman of the CIS Information Council at the 16th meeting, expressed confidence that “we will use the experience that we have gained due to mutual activity during the implementation of joint projects in the future”. Mr. Mikhaylov noted the necessity of covering events marking the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War by news agencies of CIS countries. “Heydar Aliyev made valuable contributions to development of not only Azerbaijan, but also other countries of former USSR. I think that this important historical event will create opportunities for expansion of mutual activity of our news agencies.” Heads of state news agencies of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan and Ukraine delivered reports on the activities and priorities of news agencies. The meeting also featured discussions on the work of the website of the Association of National News Agencies and current projects of the CIS Information Council. The participants also exchanged views on organizational issues, and set the date and venue for the next gathering of the Council.
An agreement to set up the CIS Information Council was signed in Moscow in 1995.

AzerTAc