SCO commission boosts ties, delivers benefits across region

A senior official said on Saturday that the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has enhanced mutual understanding, promoted solidarity among SCO countries and delivered tangible benefits to people across the region.

Established in 2013 as a result of China's initiative, the commission has aligned its work with people's aspirations for a better life, peace and modernization, and organized diverse cultural and social activities, said Zuo Hongbo, secretary-general of the organization, at a press conference in Tianjin.

Zuo also highlighted the commission's efforts in launching livelihood projects with notable progress in providing healthcare services.

In 2022, China pledged to provide 2,000 free cataract surgeries within three years for people in SCO countries. By the end of June this year, more than 2,300 surgeries had been performed, restoring sight and bringing hope to many patients, she said.

Beyond surgeries, the commission works to build sustainable medical capacity by donating equipment, establishing blindness prevention centers and training young local doctors. "Such projects not only improve people's well-being but also serve as vivid examples of friendship among SCO nations," Zuo said.

According to Zuo, the commission has established close ties with 30 civil organizations, more than 10 think tanks and over 100 media outlets across SCO countries, providing a strong guarantee to carry forward people-to-people friendship.

In a world undergoing accelerating changes unseen in a century, Zuo said people-to-people exchanges and public diplomacy serve as both "the foundation of friendship and cooperation" among nations and "a powerful force" for mutual learning among civilizations.

Looking ahead, she pledged that the commission will continue to deepen people-to-people connectivity, sharing China's experiences to benefit all SCO countries.

zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn