The VIII Caspian Media Forum, featuring representatives from the five Caspian Sea region countries, has kicked off in the Russian city of Astrakhan, Kazinform reports.
The theme of the forum is "Public Diplomacy and Social Media as Factors for Bringing Peoples Closer." Participants are expected to discuss the state and prospects of people's diplomacy in the Caspian region and explore opportunities for expanding cooperation.
"This year, the forum's program places a special emphasis on issues related to people's diplomacy," said the Governor of Astrakhan Region, Igor Babushkin. "Our countries share a lot in common, with a shared history and culture. Fraternal ties and good neighborly relations help us uphold and preserve traditional cultural and spiritual values. We aim to strengthen friendly relations in all directions," he added while opening the forum, highlighting the importance of multifaceted cooperation among Caspian countries.
The discussion at the media forum will focus on the possibilities offered by modern telecommunication means for strengthening an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust among the 250 million citizens living in the Caspian region countries, emphasized Dauren Abayev, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Russia, in his speech.
"The strengthening of good neighborliness is not only built on diplomats and politicians but, above all, on a live dialogue between ordinary people, cultural, educational, and business communities," stated the Kazakh diplomat.
The forum brings together representatives from the journalism community, government authorities, experts, scholars, and political scientists, as well as leaders of civil organizations from the five Caspian countries. Invited guests from India, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are also participating.
The forum's agenda includes plenary sessions, discussion sessions, and the announcement of the results of the international competition for the best journalistic work, "Caspian Without Borders."
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 19, 2023