On the sidelines of the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM 2026), organised in İstanbul by the Directorate of Communications, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Directorate of Communications and the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
As part of the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM 2026), organised for the fifth time this year by our Directorate, a "Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Joint Working Commission and Committees within the Framework of the Türkiye–Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform" was signed between the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye and the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The memorandum of understanding was signed by the Presidency’s Head of Communications, Prof. Burhanettin Duran, and by the Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ahmed Ismayilov.
The Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Joint Working Commission and Committees within the Framework of the Türkiye–Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform envisages enhancing existing cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan in the fields of digital and social media, audiovisual media, strategic communication, and crisis management.
Through the Memorandum of Understanding, the Parties agreed to establish a Joint Working Commission and standing committees under the Türkiye–Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform.
The Türkiye–Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform was established on 10 December 2020 within the framework of the ''Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Cooperation in the Field of Media between Türkiye and Azerbaijan,'' which was signed during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Azerbaijan. The Platform aims to strengthen integration between the media sectors of the two countries, ensure the public is accurately informed, and jointly combat disinformation.
Meanwhile, Head of Communications Duran issued a message outlining his assessments of the ''Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Joint Working Commission and Committees within the Framework of the Türkiye–Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform.''
In the post he shared on his NSosyal account, Head of Communications Duran stated:
''On the sidelines of the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM Summit) 2026, organised for the fifth time this year by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, we signed the 'Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Joint Working Commission and Committees within the Framework of the Türkiye–Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform' with Mr Ahmad Ismayilov, the Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
With this step, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we aim to establish a stronger bridge of communication between our institutions by increasing the exchange of information, experience, and technology with our friendly and brotherly country, Azerbaijan, in the fields of digital and social media, audiovisual media, strategic communication, and crisis management.
With the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding, which envisages the establishment of the Joint Working Commission and standing committees under the Türkiye–Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform, we believe that our cooperation in the field of media and communication will deepen further, and I hope it will bring positive outcomes.''
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency, Ahmad Ismayilov, said that a more robust cooperation mechanism is needed to counter disinformation, noting that the memorandum of understanding signed with the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications will enable more effective and efficient efforts.
Ismayilov stated that the themes addressed at STRATCOM are timely, adding that the discussions at the summit are significant for both the media community and civil society.
Touching on efforts to combat disinformation and fake news, Ismayilov said: “We believe there is a need for a comprehensive cooperation mechanism involving not only traditional media, but also the state, social media, digital platforms and civil society. Only through such mechanisms can we prevent disinformation and fake news.”
He added that each country should develop projects to enhance media literacy, and that states should also cooperate to combat disinformation.
Referring to the memorandum of understanding signed with the Directorate of Communications, Ismayilov said: “Following this memorandum, we will carry out more effective and efficient efforts against disinformation. We are in close cooperation with the Directorate of Communications and its Centre for Combating Disinformation.”