China-Africa media forge closer bonds
A CHINA-Africa Media Forum was held in Johannesburg on Monday, where more than 40 media delegates from China and 11 African countries gathered to explore new areas of co-operation.
The Chinese and African media houses agreed to deepen co-operation in information sharing, best practice and training to improve the dissemination of information about both countries.
Independent media chairperson Dr Iqbal Survé yesterday welcomed a Chinese delegation led by Guo Weimin, the deputy director of the State Council Information Office of China in Cape Town.
Survé, who is also the chairperson of South Africa’s Brics Business Council, said “China is a good example for Africa in terms of lifting millions of people out of poverty. Improving relationships between China and Africa would undoubtedly be to the continents benefit”.
He revealed that the Brics Summit will be hosted in South Africa in August next year and proposed that a Brics Media Summit be held in the first half of next year.
Lin Songtian, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, on Monday said: “The media should articulate success stories of both partners.”
He said China was in Africa for a win-win situation to help build infrastructure, transfer skills and create jobs.
The media should work towards strengthening the Sino-Africa relations, he said.
“African and Chinese media should work towards common development. We have to build the positive image of our relations, share our common values, friendship and common interest. Both sides should stand up and loudly tell people of the world who their true and reliable friend is,” he said.