Ready to invest joint efforts of mass media to unite SCO member states, China Media Group Shen Haixiong
Representatives of mass media of China and SCO member states took part in a roundtable discussion ahead of the 24th Meeting of the Council of the SCO Heads of State in Astana. Representatives of diplomatic missions, mass media, think tanks, and China Media Group were also engaged in discussions, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Addressing those gathered Shen Haixiong underscored the importance of the upcoming SCO summit and strengthening of Kazakhstan-China friendship. He stressed the Shanghai spirit based on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, respect for various civilizations, and striving for common development is the core and centripetal force of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He also highlighted the mass media's role in strengthening cooperation and shaping global public opinion.
Kazakh Vice Minister of Culture and Information Kanat Iskakov drew attention to the key role of mass media in strengthening mutual trust, friendship and good neighborliness. He also stressed the need to fight against fake information amid emerging geopolitical risks.
According to the former SCO Secretary-General, Vladimir Norov, thanks to active and joint efforts of SCO mass media outlets the Astana summit attracts the attention of the world leaders, politicians, and experts of the majority of the countries. He added the SCO under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship achieved significant success in tackling global security and development issues. Over 180 events dedicated to sectors such as economy and investments, transport, and culture have been held so far. Bolat Nurgaliyev, former SCO Secretary-General, said the SCO allows journalists and expert communities of various countries to cover the relevance of the organization in changing international realia.
Following the meeting those gathered suggested an initiative to deepen pragmatic cooperation between the China Media Group and SCO mass media. According to the initiative, mass media should develop the SCO spirit, deepen cooperation, tell the SCO history, strengthen mutual training, and share practice.