Final International University (FIU), one of the leading higher education institutions of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and prominent media representatives from Azerbaijan held strategic cooperation talks during a special meeting in Baku.

The high-level meeting, jointly organized by the Azerbaijan-Cyprus Friendship Association, Final International University, and News Baku Media and Communication Center, addressed strengthening media relations between the two brother countries, educational opportunities in TRNC, and potential academic cooperation projects. A dinner organized as part of this event brought together distinguished figures from the media and academic worlds.

The meeting was attended by FIU A. Rector Prof. Dr. Orhan Gemikonaklı, Executive Director Assist. Prof. Dr. Bülent Taşel, and Assist. Prof. Dr. Pervin Taşel from the university management. The Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Cyprus Friendship Association, Orxan Həsənoğlu, was also part of the FIU team. Representing Azerbaijani media were Reşad Məcid, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Press Council and Editor-in-Chief of 525-ci qəzet, and Toğrul Allahverdiyev, Head of News Baku Media, along with senior executives from numerous media organizations.

"Relations between the two countries are at a historic turning point," said Prof. Dr. Gemikonaklı. "We see tremendous potential for cooperation between Azerbaijan and TRNC in education, science, and media. We are determined to transform this potential into concrete projects."

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Azerbaijan Press Council, Məcid, stated, "The steps we are taking today will build bridges not only between the media of the two countries but also between two fraternal peoples. Media will play a critical role in developing these relations."

During the discussions, it was expressed that there is strong cooperation potential between Azerbaijan and TRNC in political, scientific, and media fields, and that the visions of the two countries largely overlap. Cypriot academics expressed their satisfaction with the developing relations with Azerbaijani media, especially in the fields of education and science, and gave positive messages regarding joint projects planned for the future.

Azerbaijani media representatives also provided information about Azerbaijan's cultural richness and scientific achievements to the guest academics. During the meeting, which took place in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, academic exchange programs, joint research projects, and opportunities for cooperation in media education between the two countries were evaluated.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was announced that necessary steps had been taken to make such contacts sustainable, and mutual agreement was reached to hold the next meeting in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The meeting ended with commemorative photographs and one-on-one discussions.