Astana, April 24 (AZERTAC). The 12th Eurasian Media Forum has today started at the Palace of Independence in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The event brings together public and political figures economists, experts and journalists from over the world, and representatives of international organizations.

Employee of Azerbaijan State Telegraph Agency (AZERTAC) Kifayat Aliyeva is among the participants.

Kazakhstan's Secretary of State Adilbek Dzhaksybekov read out a congratulatory letter by President Nursultan Nazarbayev to the forum participants.

“The Eurasian Media Forum is an efficient platform for exchange of views among the politicians, experts and journalists. During the past 12 years, the forum has brought together more than 5,000 delegates from all over the world. More than 5,000 representatives of the media have covered the forum,” the Kazakh leader said in his letter.

Ukraine, Syria and Iran will all be on the agenda for debate at the Palace of Independence, along with regional and social questions.

The Eurasian Media Forum is the most prominent international media initiative in Eurasia aimed at defining the strategic role of Eurasia in world affairs, exploring a new approach to international relations, promoting equality of access to reliable public information throughout the area and encouraging the highest standards of journalism.

The Eurasian Media Forum facilitates the professional development of the Eurasian media and promotes international public understanding of Eurasian issues.