On November 24th President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was presented with “The Friend of Journalists” award.
The Head of State won the award according to results of a survey conducted by RUH Committee to Protect Journalists among media representatives.
In an award giving ceremony, chairman of the Press Council Aflatun Amashov congratulated the President on winning “The Friend of Journalists” award. He highlighted development of the Azerbaijani press.
The award was handed over to President Ilham Aliyev.
The Head of State addressed the ceremony to highlight the work and reforms conducted in the country. The President stressed the existence of democratic values, freedom of speech and media in the country. The Azerbaijani President said “we are determined to further develop the free media”.
President Ilham Aliyev said development of the media would continue to be a priority for the Azerbaijani government.
The Head of State said there was no political discrimination against the media in Azerbaijan.
The President highlighted the media`s role in bringing up the youth in patriotic spirits, promoting global awareness of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, and ensuring the country`s coping with information blockade.
President Ilham Aliyev said sometimes Azerbaijan becomes a victim of slander campaigns, saying the media must be responsive to this issue.
Teacher at the Baku State University, professor Shirmammad Huseynov, MP Agil Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of “Yeni Musavat” newspaper Rauf Arifoglu, veteran journalist Yusif Karimov, Editor-in-Chief of “525-ci qazet” newspaper Rashad Majid congratulated the President, and highlighted development of the media in the country.
It is the Azerbaijani President`s second ““The Friend of Journalists” award.

AzerTAc