STORY: China plays pivotal role in SCO development, promoting global prosperity: Turkish expert
DATELINE: July 5, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:07
LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of SCO
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GULRU GEZER, Foreign policy analyst and former Turkish diplomat
3. various of SCO
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): GULRU GEZER, Foreign policy analyst and former Turkish diplomat
5. various of SCO
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): GULRU GEZER, Foreign policy analyst and former Turkish diplomat

STORYLINE:

A former Turkish diplomat said that China has played a pivotal role in the development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and promoting global prosperity.

Gulru Gezer, also a foreign policy advisor, made the remarks after the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO was held via video on Tuesday.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GULRU GEZER, Foreign policy analyst and former Turkish diplomat
"This is very important because the region and itself and the world is going through a turbulent period, and having an open dialogue based on mutual respect and mutual trust, I think, is especially important nowadays."

As the first intergovernmental organization named after a Chinese city, SCO today stands as a comprehensive regional cooperation organization that covers the largest area and population in the world.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): GULRU GEZER, Foreign policy analyst and former Turkish diplomat
"What makes the SCO unique is the understanding outlined in the Shanghai Spirit. The concept underlines the importance of mutual trust, mutual advantage, equality, mutual consultations, respect for cultural variety, and aspiration for joint development."

Gezer noted that the SCO has successfully transformed itself into a major regional organization thanks to the efforts of China.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): GULRU GEZER, Foreign policy analyst and former Turkish diplomat
"And we will see in the future that the SCO will continue to broaden its membership and scope because of this basic understanding when there are countries that are willing to become members or have observer status as they know that when they attend these meetings or take part within the cooperation processes of the SCO, they know that their opinion actually counts. And I think this is one of the most important aspects that makes the SCO unique, and China has been really the forerunner of developing this kind of working relationship with its neighbors and the members of the SCO."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Istanbul, Türkiye.
(XHTV)