A senior Chinese publicity official has urged building a better image of the country on the world stage this year and strengthening friendly relationships with foreign countries.

Wang Chen, director of the Information Office of the State Council and International Communication Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a national meeting on overseas publicity that runs from Tuesday to Wednesday.

According to a statement released after the meeting, the country will improve its news publishing system and make more efforts in promoting mutual trust with foreign countries, while erasing doubts.

In addition, the country also plans to push forward the development and management of the Internet and other new media in a bid to promote its international communications capacity.