AKIPRESS.COM - OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro visited Mongolia from October 10 and October 13, where she discussed media-related issues with various stakeholders, Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media reported.

The Representative expressed her appreciation for the attention that the authorities pay to media freedom and their inclusive engagement with various stakeholders, when addressing media regulation.

"This cooperation will be even more crucial when discussing the improvement of issues such as a clear distinction between defamation and disinformation, enhanced access to information and effective protection of journalists from the different threats they face. We need to have a combination of elements in place such as bigger investment in an efficient media self-regulatory system as well as well-trained journalists," Ribeiro said, recalling that in times of deep transformation of media landscape, it is of importance to develop sound policies in order to have financially sustainable media business models.

The Representative discussed in her meetings the legal framework for media, the safety of journalists, self-regulation of media as well as media sustainability and its importance for free and independent media.

During her visit, Ribeiro met with Minister for Digital Development and Communications Uchral Nyam-Osor, Minister for Justice and Internal Affairs Nyambaatar Khishgee, Minister for Culture Nomin Chinbat, Member of the Parliament and Head of the Mongolian delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Tsogtbaatar Damdin, Member of the Parliament Tsogtgerel Odon, Chief Commissioner of National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia Khunan Jargalsaikhan, Mandkhai, State Secretary, and Acting Director-General for Department of Multilateral Cooperation of the Foreign Ministry Ankhbayar Nyamdorj.

In addition, she met with former President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj.

The Representative also met with journalists’ organizations, as well as media rights advocates. Among them are U. Otgonbaatar, President of the Confederation of Mongolian Journalists, Narantuya Dangaasuren, consultant to the Media Council of Mongolia, and Sharavdorj Sampil, Deputy Head of Board of Directors, the Mongolian Media Council.