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)