OREANDA-NEWS. March 10, 2009. Ali Agan: “It is important for journalists to learn this language to promote the image of Azerbaijan worldwide”.

Mastering many foreign languages by media representatives ensures their access to more reliable sources in this globalizing world. Indeed, this reason explains why Azercell Telecom LLC guided by the principle of shared development has started to organize English courses for journalists jointly with US Embassy. Considering a keen interest of journalists to these courses, Azercell has launched second phase of this project.

Delivering his speech at the opening ceremony organized in Park Inn Hotel and dedicated to the start of second phase of English language courses, Azercell CEO Ali Agan has recalled the first such courses run for journalists under previous times. He said that at that time, he and US Ambassador Ann Derse have promised to continue these courses during the event devoted to the completion of its first round. Mr.Again noted: “As Azercell, we keep our promise and will continue to do so. I have promised also to invite my wife together with the best English language teachers of Azerbaijan for lecturing in next training. This promise will also be kept.”

Highlighting advantages brought by knowledge of foreign languages, Ali Agan has stressed its particular importance for journalists: “Not everyone has a possibility to travel all over the world. On many occasions, we receive information about other countries through media. To speak a foreign language is a very good tool to promote the image of our country. As Azercell, we do our utmost to make Azerbaijan known in many countries – Spain, UK, Russia and Turkey. We inform about the current development in our country. This is not done only via our visits to foreign countries; we present Azerbaijan to all guests coming to Azerbaijan by our invitation”.

Mr. Agan went on as saying that an important role in this mission of raising awareness about Azerbaijan is to be played also by journalists: “You have to inform your colleagues abroad about the development of our country. At the same time, you should report about developments in foreign countries to Azerbaijani people. In this case, all of you should master English language which became the global language in the world”.

Ali Agan has noted that he together with Madame Ambassador will deliver their speeches in English while presenting diplomas to those who will complete successfully these courses. Azercell CEO has promised also to start the third round of language courses.

In his turn, US Embassy Representative Terry Davidson has greeted the participants of this event in Azerbaijani. He has noted that the profession of being a journalist is a very complicated job in Azerbaijan. According to Mr.Davidson, it requires a great courage to work as a true journalist in our country: “In the democratic society, journalists play a very important role in bringing a correct information to people, organizing debates and ensuring transparency. A pen in your hand is as powerful as sword. Foreign language skills can help you in using this sword more effectively”.

The diplomat has said also that 70-80% of all materials put in global net are in English: “Therefore, once you will speak English well then you will be able to use more information sources and it will help you to collect more news”. Terry Davidson has wished success to all media representatives admitted to the courses.

It should be noted that over 40 media representatives will participate in English language courses organized by Azercell and US Embassy. The professional teachers of English language will run high level courses in two groups. Last year, almost 30 journalists have attended the similar courses.