
FENA at Lachin Roundtable: Strengthening global media cooperation through credibility, innovation and trust
On the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), the Executive Director of the Federal News Agency (FENA), Elmir Huremović, participated in a high-level roundtable held in the city of Lachin. The event, titled "AZERTAC at 105: The Past, Present, and Future of Cooperation," brought together senior representatives from news agencies worldwide to reflect on global media challenges and the importance of strategic cooperation.
Speaking at the roundtable, Huremović emphasized that the long-standing partnership between FENA and AZERTAC, formalized through a cooperation agreement in 2018, is rooted in mutual respect, professional solidarity, and a shared commitment to ethical journalism. He noted that the agreement has enabled both agencies to build a trustworthy exchange of news and best practices at a time when reliable information is more critical than ever.
''Since 2018, FENA and AZERTAC have not only exchanged content, but also built a relationship rooted in trust — something increasingly rare in today’s information landscape,'' said Huremović.
In his speech, Huremović acknowledged the evolution of tools and technologies in modern journalism — from digital transformation to the threats posed by synthetic media — and highlighted the role of public service agencies in protecting public trust.
''We don’t all have to tell the same story, but we do need to protect the basic principle that facts matter. Verified, ethical journalism still has a role,'' he said, adding that the noise of unverified content or algorithmic manipulation must not drown out public service media.
During the roundtable, participants explored new models of collaboration in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, geopolitical tensions, and information disorder. In line with these discussions, Huremović emphasized that cooperation among agencies is more than diplomacy — it is a mechanism for resilience, innovation, and solidarity.
He further outlined three defining pillars for the future of news agencies: the ability to embrace innovation, to protect credibility, and to strengthen cross-border collaboration, particularly in moments of uncertainty.
''FENA is a proud member of several international alliances and associations and strongly believes in the power of cooperation between media organizations. In an increasingly fragmented world, our solidarity is our strength,'' he concluded.
The roundtable was held as part of the broader program of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, bringing together leading voices from the global media community to celebrate AZERTAC's legacy and chart paths for future engagement. AZERTAC's 105-year history was praised by participants as a symbol of institutional resilience and adaptability in an era of rapid change.
FENA remains committed to fostering partnerships that promote truthful, independent, and inclusive journalism across borders.