A Sino-African information research workshop opened in Beijing
Saturday. Press officials from 17 African countries will
participate in the two-week seminar, exchanging views with Chinese
journalists and learn more about China's media.
The seminar is the first of its kind and a result of the
cooperation between the governments of China and African
countries.
"China and African countries enjoy close cooperation and mutual
support. They have established a new type of partnership
characterized by long-term stability, equality and mutual benefit,"
said Wang Guoqing, vice minister of the State Council Information
Office, at a weekend reception.
Exchanges of visits and other communication links have been
established with the government information departments of Egypt,
South Africa, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Kenya, Ghana and Tunisia.
China recently signed letters of intent on press cooperation and
exchanges with Kenya and South Africa.
"I believe such moves will give a new impetus to the
comprehensive development of relations with the African government
information departments and media," Wang said. "China and Africa
should strengthen media cooperation, so as to make our voices
stronger."
Wang stated that this is essential because international opinion
is dominated by Western countries, whose reports on China and
Africa often tend to be distorted.
According to Alusin Deen, Sierra Leone's ambassador to China,
the international media -- particularly in the West -- perceive
Africa as a place plagued by poverty, hunger, disease and
instability. Such portrayals aggravate the difficulties African
countries face in attracting the foreign direct investment required
for economic development.
During the ongoing workshop in Beijing the press officials, who
are mainly the spokespersons of presidents or the heads of state
media, will participate in press seminars, meet Chinese press
officials and visit media departments in Beijing as well as visit
the cities of Shanghai, Chongqing and Suzhou.
Mocks Shivute, a press official from Namibia, said that African
officials can gain insight into how China manages its state
information, and that they can apply these ideas in their own
countries.
(China Daily August 16, 2004)