Caspian Media Forum in Astrakhan: Promoting Cultural Cooperation
Over 100 statesmen, journalists, and experts from around the world gathered in Astrakhan, Russia, to discuss the role of cultural cooperation in advancing the Caspian region. The forum has evolved from a regional journalist gathering into a major international event.
Key Highlights
Pavel Pautov, Head of Administration for the Governor of the Astrakhan Region, emphasized the forum’s expansion from tourism to culture. He stated, “We attract the journalistic community to discuss specific issues of the region’s development.”
Mikhail Petrakov, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, highlighted the necessity of intercultural dialogue in international relations. He noted, “If we have established intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust, we will aim for success in all other spheres.”
Lana Ravandi-Fadai, an Iran specialist at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, underscored the importance of understanding the culture of partners in diplomatic relations.
Iran’s Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, addressed the plenary session titled “The Dialogue of Cultures as the Basis for the Caspian Development.” He stated, “The Caspian Sea is a space of friendship and peace. Good-neighbourly relations should be based on the cultures of ancient civilizations.”
Media Interaction
Media interaction was a central theme, with discussions on the role of media and information technologies. A proposal was made to create an international media platform, “Caspian Today,” broadcasting in multiple languages. Pavel Pautov suggested the new media centre’s headquarters be based in the region’s capital.
Zaman Rezakhani, Director for International Relations at Iran’s IRNA news agency, stated, “If the media establish constructive cooperation with each other, all other spheres, be it culture or economy, will develop effectively.”
Forum Activities
Since its inception in 2014, the Caspian Media Forum has included plenary sessions, discussions, a master class for investigative journalists, and the Caspian Without Borders contest awards. The forum was organized with support from various Russian governmental and international organizations.
Doubts Revealed
Caspian Media Forum -: The Caspian Media Forum is a meeting where people from different countries around the Caspian Sea come together to talk about how they can work together, especially in media and culture.
Astrakhan -: Astrakhan is a city in Russia, located near the Caspian Sea. It is known for its rich history and cultural diversity.
Cultural cooperation -: Cultural cooperation means different countries or groups working together to share and learn about each other’s cultures, like music, art, and traditions.
Caspian region -: The Caspian region includes countries around the Caspian Sea, such as Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan.
Intercultural dialogue -: Intercultural dialogue is when people from different cultures talk and share ideas to understand each other better.
Pavel Pautov -: Pavel Pautov is one of the important speakers at the forum. He is likely a person with a lot of knowledge or experience in media or cultural cooperation.
Mikhail Petrakov -: Mikhail Petrakov is another key speaker at the forum. He might be an expert or a leader in the field of media or cultural relations.
Lana Ravandi-Fadai -: Lana Ravandi-Fadai is also a speaker at the forum. She could be a specialist in cultural studies or media.
Kazem Jalali -: Kazem Jalali is one of the main speakers. He is probably an expert or a diplomat from one of the Caspian region countries.
Media platform -: A media platform is a place where information is shared, like a website or TV channel. ‘Caspian Today’ would be a new platform for sharing news and stories from the Caspian region.