The leadership and a group of students from the Faculty of Journalism at Baku State University (BSU) visited the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC).

During the meeting with Vugar Aliyev, Chairman of the Board of AZERTAC, the guests were provided with detailed information about the history, development, and areas of activity of the agency. It was noted that AZERTAC recently celebrated its 105th anniversary. He mentioned: "On March 1, 1920, the first national news agency was established by the government of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. Over the years, AZERTAC has undergone a complex, challenging, and honorable journey. Unfortunately, AZERTAC, as a symbol of the Azerbaijan People's Republic, could only exist for 58 days as an independent news source. After the collapse of the Democratic Republic, the agency underwent several changes in its name during the 70 years of Soviet rule, facing significant restrictions in its news dissemination. After the restoration of Azerbaijan's independence, the agency returned to its original name. AZERTAC’s real development period began during the years of national leader Heydar Aliyev’s leadership. In 2015, with a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on February 26, the agency was officially named the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC)."

The Chairman also emphasized that in recent years, AZERTAC has signed cooperation agreements with over 50 foreign news agencies and exchanges information with agencies operating across five continents. He highlighted that AZERTAC’s news output has reached a new level of quality. Daily, over 500 pieces of information in 8 languages (Azerbaijani, Russian, English, German, French, Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish) are published, and video news in five languages is also broadcast. Additionally, AZERTAC has foreign correspondent offices in nearly 25 countries. The agency disseminates Azerbaijan’s truths to almost every corner of the globe and is recognized worldwide as a reliable and unbiased news source.

It was also noted that today, AZERTAC has become a real training ground for young journalists.

Vugar Aliyev, Dean of the Faculty of Journalism at BSU, spoke about the university’s effective cooperation with various media organizations, including the Media Development Agency, Audiovisual Council, and Press Council. He emphasized the important role of media rooms at the Faculty of Journalism in applying theoretical knowledge in practice for student journalists. He also highlighted that BSU journalism students undergo internships at prestigious media institutions in the country.

During the conversation, the establishment of a special room for AZERTAC at BSU was discussed, noting its importance as an exchange platform for young journalists.

After the discussions, the BSU delegation from the Faculty of Journalism toured the facilities of AZERTAC’s building.