Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has responded to comments by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Russia Rahman Mustafayev about what he described as an extremely negative background surrounding Azerbaijan in the Russian information space. Asked to comment on Mustafayev’s remarks, Zakharova pointed to the former activities of the Russian state-funded media outlet Sputnik in Azerbaijan, describing it as an example of media coverage that had contributed to a constructive information environment and supported bilateral relations. According to her, Sputnik represented an example of professional journalism specifically focused on contributing to the development of Russian-Azerbaijani relations.
Zakharova also referred to the detention of Sputnik journalists in Azerbaijan, saying that they eventually returned to Russia after spending months in custody. She then accused Azerbaijani media outlets of regularly publishing what Moscow considers anti-Russian materials. She argued that such coverage should not simply be viewed as criticism or an alternative point of view.
According to Zakharova, Moscow regularly raises the issue with Azerbaijani officials through consultations and bilateral contacts, while exchanging relevant materials concerning media coverage. At the same time, Zakharova acknowledged that the current situation in the media sphere requires improvement. She said existing communication channels between the two sides continue to function and could be used to address disputes.
So to speak, hotlines for resolving issues existed, exist and work perfectly,” Zakharova said. She linked such an approach to the Declaration on Allied Interaction signed by the presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia on February 22, 2022, saying that constructive and mutually respectful dialogue would correspond to both its letter and spirit. Zakharova also noted that several Azerbaijani media organizations continue to operate in Russia and, according to her, work constructively without Moscow raising complaints about their activities.
She specifically mentioned AZERTAC, AzTV and Real TV, among other Azerbaijani media organizations, and recalled that Russian and Azerbaijani journalists have participated in joint conferences, round tables and media forums. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.
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