Modern.az continues its series of interviews with foreign journalists. In these interviews, we try to learn about these journalists' perceptions of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis, explore commonalities between the two countries, and exchange views on other issues.
Our interviewee this time is our colleague from Kyrgyzstan, Dilnaz Tapvaldieva, an employee of the "Alleans press" agency.
- As a representative of the Kyrgyz media, how do you assess the current level of Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan relations? What is the main feature that distinguishes these relations from those with other Turkic states?
-I assess the relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan as very warm, based on mutual trust, and with a bright future. These relations are not limited to political dialogue; new opportunities are also emerging in the fields of economy, investment, culture, education, and media. I think one of the main features that distinguishes us from our relations with other Turkic states is the sincerity and mutual respect between the two peoples. We see each other not only as strategic partners but also as brotherly nations. As an entrepreneur, I see greater economic opportunities within the framework of these relations.
- In recent years, in addition to political and economic ties, media cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan has also expanded. In your opinion, in which directions can cooperation between the media institutions of the two countries be further strengthened?
-I think, first of all, we should increase direct communication between journalists. Joint journalism projects, television programs, podcasts, interviews, media forums, and journalist exchange programs would be very useful. I consider it important to prepare joint materials, especially on entrepreneurship, the role of women in working life, youth, investments, and innovations in Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan. Because people get to know each other better through human stories and real-life examples rather than official news.
- Do you think the coverage of processes in each other's countries by Azerbaijani and Kyrgyz journalists is at a sufficient level? Is there a need to increase mutual media exchange?
-I think it's not enough yet. We have great potential, but we are not fully utilizing it. As a journalist, I would like to see more materials about Azerbaijan that reflect real life, business, tourism, culture, and human stories. If Kyrgyz journalists visit Azerbaijan and see the country firsthand, and Azerbaijani journalists also get the opportunity to get to know Kyrgyzstan closely, mutual understanding between the two peoples will be further strengthened. Therefore, I support increasing media exchanges.
- The formation of a single information space among the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States has been discussed more in recent years. In your opinion, can the media of Turkic states create a common information platform?
- Of course, we can create it. I even think that in the modern information age, there is a need for such a platform. We need a common media platform that will provide reliable, operative, and professional information about Turkic states. Each country should have its voice on this platform. But the main goal should be to bring the peoples of the Turkic world even closer to each other. This is an important investment not only from a journalistic point of view but also for future generations.
- One of the interesting issues is the language issue at the summits and meetings of the OTS. In your opinion, would it be realistic and expedient to use only Azerbaijani or Turkish as a common means of communication in the meetings, summits, and events of the OTS? How could this affect integration among Turkic states?
-I support this idea, but I think it needs to be implemented gradually. Turkic languages are quite close to each other. At the same time, each nation has its language and national identity. Therefore, the creation of a common communication language should not replace national languages, but rather facilitate communication between peoples. If we can create a common communication language, I believe this will be a very important step in terms of integration among Turkic states.
- What is the level of interest in news related to Azerbaijan in the Kyrgyz media? Which topics related to Azerbaijan attract more attention from the Kyrgyz audience?
- There is interest, and I feel that this interest has been growing in recent years. Especially Azerbaijan's economic development, the city of Baku, tourism, culture, Karabakh, Shusha, modern infrastructure, and international events generate great interest. As an entrepreneur, I am particularly interested in Azerbaijan's business environment and investment opportunities. I think the public in Kyrgyzstan should know more closely how Azerbaijan is developing its economic potential.
- How does the Kyrgyz media assess the transformation of Shusha, Karabakh, and other regions of Azerbaijan into venues for international events in recent years?
-I assess this as a positive process. The transformation of the region into a center hosting international events, cultural and diplomatic dialogues is of great importance for the formation of its international image. As a journalist, the most important issue for me is to cover these processes objectively and professionally. It is necessary to talk about Karabakh and Shusha not only from a political aspect but also from the perspective of culture, history, tourism, and people's lives.
- In your opinion, what role can Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan play in the future of the Turkic world? Can closer coordination between Baku and Bishkek also affect other Turkic states?
- If Azerbaijan plays an important bridge role geographically and economically, Kyrgyzstan also holds an important position in Central Asia. The stronger the cooperation between Baku and Bishkek, the more positive a message it will be for other Turkic states. Especially, expanding cooperation in the fields of business, transport, investment, education, tourism, and media can create new opportunities for the entire Turkic world.
- In modern times, social networks have seriously changed the role of traditional media. How is this process going in Kyrgyzstan, and what challenges do journalists face in combating disinformation?
- Today, everyone has simultaneously become both an information producer and a disseminator. This creates great opportunities on the one hand, but also brings great responsibility on the other. In Kyrgyzstan, social media also has a very serious impact on journalism. One of the most important problems is the difference between operative information and reliable information. Before sharing any news, a journalist must definitely check its source. I think the biggest capital of a modern journalist is the trust of their audience. And it is very difficult to regain trust once it is lost.
- As a journalist, you follow the Azerbaijani media. What surprises you most or what do you see as different from the Kyrgyz media in Azerbaijani journalism?
- I like the presentation of national identity and modernity together in the Azerbaijani media. They try to convey their history, culture, and national values to the world through modern media formats. Of course, there are differences between the Kyrgyz and Azerbaijani media. But we also have quite a lot in common: the desire to preserve our national identity and promote our country to the world.
- In your opinion, how important is it to hold joint projects, trainings, and media forums for journalists between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan?
I think this is a very important issue. As a journalist and entrepreneur, I evaluate such events not only as platforms for professional exchange of ideas and experiences but also as important meeting places where new collaborations and partnerships are formed. Especially if special projects are implemented for women journalists and women entrepreneurs, this can make a significant contribution to establishing new ties between the two countries. Sometimes two people who meet at a forum can later implement a larger project together.
- How do you see the next 5-10 years of Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan relations? In your opinion, what untapped potential does this cooperation still have?
- I am quite optimistic about the future. I think that as two countries, we have not yet fully utilized the potential of our relations in terms of economic and human capital. There are great opportunities, especially in the private sector, investment, logistics, tourism, technology, education, women's entrepreneurship, and media. As an entrepreneur, I believe this: good political relations open doors for the business world, but real projects need to enter through those doors.
- As a Kyrgyz journalist, what message would you like to give to Azerbaijanis to introduce Kyrgyzstan more closely?
- I would like to tell Azerbaijanis that Kyrgyzstan is a closer country than you think. We have many commonalities in our language, culture, family values, and hospitality. When you come to Kyrgyzstan, I would like to welcome you here not just as a guest, but as a representative of a brotherly nation and a close friend. As a woman entrepreneur, I would also like to tell Azerbaijani businesswomen: Let's see each other not as rivals, but as partners. Because in the modern world, the greatest strength lies in people and states that support each other. The future of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan lies not only in interstate relations but also in genuine friendship between peoples, mutual trust, and projects that will be implemented together. My greatest wish is for these warm relations between the two states to turn into more real business partnerships, joint projects, new friendships, and new opportunities in the future.
