On September 10, representatives of Turkmenistan took part online in the VI Caspian Media Forum, which gathered representatives from the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Russia, and the Republic of Uzbekistan in the administrative center of the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation.

Tourism and ethnocultural communication became the main topic of the agenda. The participants also discussed such issues as travel journalism in the digital era, check-in in the cultural media space, educational media projects in the new information communications system.

Positive political dialogue and effective mechanisms of diplomatic practice that have developed between our states, an advantageous geopolitical position at the crossroads of historical trade caravan routes are a solid basis for the dynamic development of equal and mutually beneficial partnership in all areas, the implementation of many projects in various sectors, including in the humanitarian area , which includes culture, tourism, media.

For the Caspian countries, united by a common sea, and therefore related issues, the vector of strengthening partnership in the information sphere, which carries a huge historical and ethnographic layer, a colossal charge of goodwill of the peoples of the region, its cross diasporas, seems to be the key today in building relations with the whole world. This is the aspect where the geographic specifics predetermine the accents of the foreign policy of Turkmenistan.

Today, colossal transformations are taking place in our countries and major international events are being held, which are increasingly attracting the attention of the world community. In this regard, it is important to intensify interaction through the media between the specialized structures of the Caspian states, the creation of joint media products and their promotion.

The subject of discussion was also the trends in the development of information cooperation between the countries of the region. At the same time, the main attention was paid to the development of practical recommendations and project initiatives related to the development of a tourist destination based on the ethno-brands of the Caspian states, the creation and exchange of high-quality ethno-tourism and environmental educational materials between the relevant institutions of the countries of the Caspian region.

This format of interaction opens up new opportunities for acquaintance with the best practices of using digital technologies in the media sphere, for the implementation of joint projects. All this, no doubt, orients the media representatives of the Caspian region countries to create a better information product, which will further stimulate the growth of professionalism and creative processes in this environment.

Within the framework of the VI Caspian Media Forum, the results of the International Competition "Caspian without Borders" were summed up, the winners of which were also employees of the newspaper "Neutral Turkmenistan" in the nominations "PhotoCaspian" and "Audience Choice Award".

In general, holding this meeting is another step towards expanding the audience of national mass media, including Turkmen, by posting their news stories, information and analytical materials and other content on popular foreign resources.