More than 300 delegates from 44 African countries have come to Beijing for the Third Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation. The forum aims to deepen cooperation in the media sector and boost the development of China-Africa ties.

More than 300 delegates from 44 African countries have come to Beijing for the Third Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation.

Expanding new areas of media cooperation, promoting bilateral friendship and common development.

Government ministers and the heads of media organizations from African countries and China exchanged opinions on cooperation and the development of the media sector.

"China will hold firm and adhere to the "genuine, frank, close, and sincere" principle so as to develop media cooperation with Africa in an all-round way. The Chinese media will work with their African counterparts to consolidate the basis for their cooperation, expand space for cooperation, and broaden areas of cooperation to promote China-Africa media ties to a new level and make new contributions to the development of the comprehensive China-Africa strategic partnership," said Cai Fuchao, Minister of China SAPPRFT.

The media forum was set up under the framework agreements of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2012. It's held every two years in either China or Africa.

African delegates said the forum is very significant for deepening mutual trust and enhancing the international influence of media in developing countries.

"We are having these conferences here in Beijing to promote this cooperation in the media and some of the areas of training, capacity building and infrastructure development. Because media is critical in this relationship. As you know, media is the one that can reform, is the one that can shape opinion. And there is so much potential between Africa and China and media is the bridge between our two peoples," said Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of African Union Commission.

"China and Africa have very long history of cooperation. All we do is to promote our capacity to communicate better," said Wilfred Ewaleifoh, General Manager of NTA News 24.

China and African countries have showed the willingness to further enhance exchanges in radio, film and television. Participants believe that more cooperation in the media industry will promote the development of a healthy and friendly China-Africa relationship.