Bishkek, July 27, 2026. /Kabar/. Kyrgyzstan is chairing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the year of the organization's 25th anniversary. For our country, this is not only a great honor and a high responsibility, but also a historic opportunity to give new impetus to the development of the SCO's fundamental principles and values. Mederbek Shermetaliev, Director of Kabar News Agency told in his opening speech at SCO Media and Analytical Center Forum.
"Today's meeting is one of the important events of our chairmanship." The participation of approximately 250 representatives from 26 member and partner states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, gathered today in Bishkek, is a clear demonstration of our shared commitment to deepening information, analytical, and humanitarian cooperation.
I am confident that this forum will become an important platform for developing new ideas, strengthening strategic partnerships, and will make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of our entire region," said Shermetaliev.
Director of Kabar noted that today's world is changing at an unprecedented rate. The development of digital technologies has significantly facilitated the exchange of information, but has also increased new challenges related to the spread of disinformation, information manipulation, cybersecurity threats, and external influence on public opinion.
"Under these conditions, responsible journalism, professional analysis, and information policies based on reliable facts are becoming crucial factors in building trust between states.
Today, our countries need to develop not only transport and economic ties, but also consistently expand intellectual, informational, and humanitarian cooperation.
Strengthening ongoing dialogue between think tanks, conducting joint research, training young experts, and promoting professional exchanges between media representatives are of particular importance," he stated.
Mederbek Shermetaliev also noted that Kabar is ready to fully support such initiatives in the area of information cooperation.
"We are interested in developing new mechanisms for interaction in the information space of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states aimed at strengthening mutual trust, countering the spread of false information, and ensuring an objective, balanced exchange of information.
Under the leadership of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, Kyrgyzstan is consistently implementing systemic reforms to digitalize public administration, expand information transparency, improve interaction between government agencies and society, and develop a modern communications policy.
In the face of modern digital challenges, information for us is no longer just news; it is a strong bridge of trust between the state and society.
However, as I noted at the beginning of my speech, the rapid development of digital technologies demands from us much greater responsibility, far-sighted decisions, and coordinated joint actions," he noted.
Shermetaliev added that today's forum is not just a platform for exchanging opinions; it is an opportunity to jointly shape our common future.
"Trust begins with information. Trust is strengthened through dialogue. And only dialogue based on equal partnership can ensure sustainable development.
Kabar News Agency confirms its readiness to continue to contribute to the expansion of information and humanitarian cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization," he concluded.
