"Over the years China and Africa have walked side by side on the path of peace and development, becoming true friends who can rely on and trust each other. Neither the vast deserts nor the boundless oceans can stop our firm steps towards each other and the deepening of cooperation," he said.
Mr. Han who made this remarks during the opening of three weeks seminar for renowned journalists from English speaking countries in Africa, added: "Today, we are gather here with the good wish of enhancing communication and understanding and deepening traditional friendship. We hope to take this opportunity to provide our African media friends with a window to better understand China and build a bridge of mutual understanding, trust and support between China and Africa."
The seminar, organised by the Institute of International Studies and Advanced Training, was sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of China. It brought together 25 renowned journalists from Africa.
The seminar, officials said, aims to promote the traditional friendship and cooperation in the field of media and other areas between China and developing countries through exchanges and decisions, and to promote human resource development and socio-economic development in the developing countries.
The training activities include thematic lectures, seminars, study visits and cultural experiences. During the seminar, experts and scholars introduce the participants to the social and economic development history, policies and measures of China, especially the achievements and lessons learned since China's reform and opening up, as well as information on topics closely related to theme of the seminar.
The vice director of the Institute of International Studies and Advanced Training, further reaffirmed the Chinese government continued commitment in further deepening the mutual relationships and cooperation between China and Africa, saying: "In 2024, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and the leaders of African countries, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China African Cooperation achieved fruitful results, injecting strong impetus into the building of a closer China- Africa community with a shared future."
The seminar, he went on, is an important move to implement the spirit of the Beijing Summit, to strengthen the people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Africa, and to deepen media cooperation.
"In the following days of exchange, we will also be able to get closer to Africa, understand Africa, and feel Africa through you. Let's exchange views, experiences, and stories. Let us enhance understanding through communication and pool strength through cooperation."
He further added: "Over the years, we organised 35 exchange programmes in China for media professionals from African countries, established contacts with many African media friends who participated in these activities, and left a deep impression on each other. "
Feng Yin, the director of International Training Department of CICG Institute of International Studies and Advanced Training, underscored the importance of the training.
"You will get to know about the governing concepts of Chinese leadership, Chinese path to modernisation and the China-African community with a shared future, China's International development cooperation and assistance to Africa, as well as the development of Chinese news media," she tells journalists
"In addition to organising a rich and colourful range of training activities, we have also prepared reading materials for you during the training period - the English version of the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The governance of China."
Emeldah Libanga, the managing editor of Zambia Daily Mail, dwelled on the significance of the training, adding: "The training seminar is another symbol of how China continue to support Africa. In fact, this seminar is one of many events organised by China for media professionals in Africa. Media play a great role in the political and economy of our countries. Thus, it's crucial that their capacities are built," she said while giving a vote of thank during the opening.
