Baku, June 24 AZERTAC

Sport Olympics Reporter of British Press Association Mark Staniforth, who is in Baku to cover the First European Games, has said Baku is really fascinating city during a meeting with Director General of AZERTAC Aslan Aslanov.

He said Azerbaijan is hosting First European Games at an Olympic level. “The venues are fascinating, Baku European Games Operations Committee (BEGOC) created comprehensive conditions for the media representatives.” He also praised the opening ceremony of the Baku Games.

Mr Aslanov provided an insight into the activity and international relations of AZERTAC. “AZERTAC is one of the most active members of the leading organizations shaping the world`s information policy”.

The Director General said he was proud that First European Games are compared with London Sydney Olympic Games.

He hailed “close’ relations between AZERTAC and Press Association. “We have sincere and friendly relations with CEO of Press Association, President of European Alliance of News Agencies Clive Marshall. These bonds positively influence the development of our cooperation”. “Mr. Marshall made an important contribution to the Baku meetings of the News Agencies World Council (NACO) hosted by AZERTAC. He also visited the regions of Azerbaijan.”

Mr. Aslanov highlighted the achievements gained by the country since restoration of its independence, as well as the state of freedom of speech and information, and the government`s support for the mass media in Azerbaijan.

“Sometimes the progress achieved by the country in the field of the development of democracy and successes are ignored and Azerbaijan faces double standards.”

Mr Staniforth thanked for “the warm and sincere meeting”, adding he was proud to be received by Director General Aslanov.