Russian-Kazakh Media Forum discusses role of media in building trust between nations

Lead

The 3rd Russian-Kazakh Media Forum convened in St. Petersburg on August 3, bringing together media leaders and officials from both countries to discuss the strategic role of journalism in fostering trust and countering disinformation. The forum's plenary session highlighted the challenges posed by the current international situation and proposed concrete initiatives, including a call for a joint information verification center and a fact-checking agreement.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, the sole outlet covering the event, reported on multiple aspects of the forum. One report focused on the overarching theme of building trust, emphasizing the role of journalists as a bridge between the two nations. Another detailed warnings about potential disinformation during Kazakhstan's upcoming elections, while a third highlighted a proposal from a Kazakh presidential administration official for joint fact-checking mechanisms. A fourth report underscored the forum's history and its evolution as a platform for dialogue.

Key Claims

TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov stressed the importance of the journalistic community in strengthening trust between Russia and Kazakhstan. "One cannot but see that amid an extremely complex and dangerous international situation our professional journalistic community plays a very important role in building trust between countries and peoples," he said. He also noted the forum's three-year history, recalling the results of the 2024 Moscow and 2025 Almaty meetings as evidence of progress.

Kondrashov warned that during the election period, Kazakhstan, like Russia, could face an "avalanche of fake reports" from those seeking to undermine the friendship between the two countries. "There can be no doubt that during this crucial political period of elections, Kazakhstan, like Russia, will likely face an avalanche of fake reports generated by those who do not always wish us well and are unhappy with the friendship between our countries," he stated.

Alexander Smirnov, head of the Russian presidential public relations directorate, described close cooperation between the media structures as a "direct reflection of the high level of the Russian-Kazakh allied relations." He pointed to the escalation of "information wars" and the dissemination of fake news, including AI-generated content, as reasons for the strategic value of reliable information and cultural ties.

Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Russia, Dauren Abayev, introduced the concept of "semiotic security," which he defined as the protection of the realm of meanings and values, arguing that in the digital age, the main battle is over the interpretation of information.

Kanat Kulshmanov, head of the communications department at the Kazakh presidential administration, proposed establishing a joint information verification center. "A joint information verification center may serve as such an instrument," he said, adding that joint fact-checking protocols would allow media outlets to verify dubious data instantly. He recalled that Kazakhstan had inaugurated a center for combating disinformation last year, which had already accumulated its own expertise.

Kulshmanov also called for moving beyond information exchanges to the joint production of media content, suggesting that targeted projects and strengthened partnerships could ensure swift dissemination of major news and the exchange of exclusive stories.

Perspectives

TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov: Emphasized the role of journalists in building trust and warned of an "avalanche of fake reports" during election periods, calling for unity against external forces seeking to undermine friendship.

Kazakh Presidential Administration Official Kanat Kulshmanov: Proposed a joint information verification center and emphasized the importance of fact-checking and joint media content to ensure reliability and efficiency in media.

Russian Presidential Public Relations Directorate Head Alexander Smirnov: Stressed the strategic importance of close media cooperation as a reflection of allied relations, and highlighted the fight against information wars and manipulation.

Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Russia Dauren Abayev: Discussed the concept of "semiotic security," arguing that the main battle in the digital age is over the interpretation of information, not the information itself.