Selcuk Colakoglu, Director of the Ankara-based Turkish Center for Asia-Pacific Studies, said that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) provides an important example of how regional cooperation can evolve from security collaboration to broader economic and security integration among neighboring countries.
In an interview with Xinhua, Colakoglu noted that the SCO has transformed into a dynamic organization promoting deeper cooperation in security, economic development, and multilateral engagement. Highlighting China’s role, he stressed that since its establishment, China has been both a key supporter and a strong driving force of the organization.
Colakoglu described China’s presidency this year as “a milestone in the SCO’s evolution,” and referred to the Tianjin summit as “a shining moment” for the organization.
He pointed out that the SCO has already achieved concrete results in fields such as joint counter-terrorism efforts, regional trade facilitation, energy cooperation, and infrastructure projects. With China-led initiatives, the organization can further advance win-win cooperation, enhance regional stability, and promote economic growth across the region, he said.
Looking ahead, Colakoglu emphasized the SCO’s expanding international role, noting that it increasingly embraces the idea of a shared future for humanity. He underlined that member states can strengthen multilateral ties, foster common development, and deepen engagement with partner and observer countries.
He concluded that the SCO demonstrates how countries in the region can pursue joint development and collective security. “As the SCO continues to grow and deepen integration, it will increasingly shape the regional balance and contribute to a more multipolar world order,” Colakoglu added.