Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 12 / Trend K.Zarbaliyeva /
Formation of relations between state agencies and mass media in Azerbaijan in accordance with the democratic development, freedom of expression and the principles of the information society is a priority. This was stated on Monday by sector chief of the Socio-Political Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Vugar Aliyev at the opening of a two day seminar attended by press service leaders of the state agencies and mass media representatives, co-organised by the OSCE office in Baku and the Press Council.
"Ensuring transparency in Azerbaijani society, freedom of mass media and expression of opinions in informing society is one of the state policy priorities. We were able to form a civilised legal basis for this, taking practical steps to ensure transparency in society. Appropriate structures and internet resources are now functioning in all state agencies," Aliyev said.
According to him, this process has been improved and more information is being placed on the websites of state agencies. Some 75 per cent of information allowed by law has been placed on the websites of some state agencies.
Serious measures are taken on the formation of an e-government and the types of e-services have been defined. According to the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, the number of electronic services is increased to 450. About 300 such services, 150 of which are interactive, are carried out in the state agencies, Aliyev said.
"This process will further be improved and the number of services will be increased. Work on the development of civil society in Azerbaijan is currently being carried out. These are the requirements of modern times. One of the major factors that boost this process in the period of the information society is an even greater acceleration of the global network and the Internet. State agencies have to be operational in these issues. They must adjust their work to modern requirements while at the same time need to think about the information security of the society. The implementation of appropriate measures by the state agencies is a requirement of time "Aliyev said.
He said the state will fully meet its goals. This is a continuous process which is improving every year.
Press service representatives of the 16 state agencies and more than 10 media outlets are taking part in the seminar.