The Minister of Communication and Information Technology, speaking at the National Seminar of the ICT’s Public Relation Departments, stated that: “Honesty and Truthfulness are the keys to Public Relations success, since the smart people of Iran always evaluate our activities and purposes.”
According to ICT’s Public Relations report, Dr. Vaezi stressed on respecting the rights of the people and the society, adding that: “Government should not think itself guardian of the people, but rather, serving the public and upholding the rights of the citizens must be on the agenda.”
Pointing out that the very first step of deviance and aberration is when an official feels he or she is the only one who understands things, he underscored: “It is our social responsibility to have the patience of hearing opposite viewpoints.”
The ICT Minister reflected the importance of bravery in professional public relation activity, adding that: “Having extensive considerations and circumspections will eventually lead us to self-censorship.”
Vaezi underlined the ability to accept criticism, expressing that: “Even if our critics and antagonists revert to destructive methods, we shouldn’t react in the same manner.”
Stating that in addition to holding seminars and conferences, we should also focus on their findings and achievements in practice, he included: “It is my hope and wish to retain our relationship with our people, and remain answerable to them.”
The ICT Minister stressed that: “We should try our best to speak with people in their own language, refraining from usage of technical and technological expressions when describing the activities of ministries and public organizations, since this change in our literature and manner of expression will help us to better convey what we mean to public opinion.”
He reflected on the need for fast response in PR professionalism, including that: “Yet, one must never sacrifice accuracy and comprehensiveness for mere speed.”
Vaezi pointed out that public relation is the active and dynamic member of any department or organization, saying: “The themes and subjects discussed in the field of PR are constantly changing and evolving, something which requires innovation and inventiveness, and utilization of latest communication technologies.”
He stressed on application of indirect methods in professional public relations, adding: “We must perfectly know what type of media we should utilize for achieving maximum effect in each field and area.”
Vaezi listed professionalism and ethics as two inseparable principles of Public Relations, including that: “You cannot serve the public behind closed doors and by being indifferent to public demands.”
The ICT Minister asserted that: “Public Relation activity is a highly specialized and professional work, and its experts must be well informed regarding political, economic, social, and cultural affairs, yet in the meantime stay away from political games and party activities.”