IMPORTANT ROLE OF MEDIA IN FOSTERING BETTER UNDERSTANDING

BEIJING, AUGUST 31 /SRNA/ - Kyrgyzstan will continue to promote cultural exchange, mutual understanding of different civilizations, and better understanding among the peoples of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation /SCO/, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said in Bishkek.

Japarov congratulated participants on the event dedicated to cultural exchange among SCO member states and stressed that the media play an important role in promoting greater mutual understanding and awareness among peoples.

More than 100 guests attended the event, organized by China Media Group and the Kyrgyz National Television and Radio Broadcasting Corporation, including representatives of the political, economic, cultural and media sectors of SCO member states. Several results of cooperation to date were also presented.

"This event will contribute to further developing cooperation in areas such as joint media projects, the exchange of expertise among professionals, education and staff training, as well as the joint production of media content," the Kyrgyz president said.

He said the aim is to produce more high-quality media content that will showcase the history, culture and modern development of each member state, China Media Group reported.

Shen Haixiong, director of China Media Group, said that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the SCO.

"Over the past 25 years, guided by the Shanghai Spirit, which embodies mutual trust and mutual benefit, equality, consensus, respect for different civilizations and common development, the SCO has grown into the world's largest regional international organization in terms of the territory it covers and the size of its population, opening up new space for international relations and multilateral cooperation," Shen said.

He added that China Media Group has consistently supported the Shanghai Spirit and, together with media organizations from SCO member states, has developed various forms of cooperation and implemented numerous high-quality programs and projects.

"Today, we will jointly announce several new productions, including the documentaries `Harmony and a Shared Future` and `Interdependent Mountains and Rivers`. We are ready to use this opportunity to explore new ways of connecting with audiences and further enhance cooperation with media organizations from SCO member states, so that together we can write a new chapter in cultural exchange and, guided by the Shanghai Spirit, contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity," Shen said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Kyrgyzstan, where he is attending the SCO summit.