Fifty journalists from 49 African and Asia-Pacific countries, on Wednesday, commenced a 10-month media and cultural exchange fellowship at the China Africa Press Centre (CAPC) in Beijing, China.
The fellowship, inaugurated in 2014, is part of the Asian nation’s efforts to deepen ties with Africa and “tell China’s story better” to the world.
It allows African journalists to cover major political and diplomatic events, meet with Chinese officials from relevant ministries and departments and exchange views with Chinese media outlets and academics.
Other activities include visit to Chinese provinces and cities and explore traditional Chinese culture.
“I believe after 10 months of exchange, you will have an in-depth understanding about China’s situation,” said Vice President of China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), Hu Xhengyue, at the opening of the 2019 programme in Beijing, China.
“I hope you can use your pen and camera to record what you have heard and seen in China, deliver objective messages, promote peace and friendship, facilitate win-win cooperation and introduce China in a comprehensive, real and three-dimensional way,” Xhengyue, whose agency run the fellowship, added.
He, therefore, hailed the relations between China and Africa, saying: “We have always been brothers and partners who help each other through thick and thin.
“We are a natural community of shared destiny, and an important power to promote the world to develop toward more fairness and justice. Our long histories, splendid civilizations, and traditional friendship knit us tightly together.
“Our hearts are connected. In recent years, under the framework of Forum on China Africa cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt & Road initiative, we have achieved very productive practical cooperation in many areas, bringing substantial benefits to both Chinese and African people.”
The 2019 programme drew 34 participants from Nigeria, Kenya, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ghana, Chad, Uganda, Egypt, Ethiopia, Malawi, Sudan, Gambia, Mali, Angola, Somalia, among other African countries.
Sixteen journalists were invited from Asia-Pacific countries.
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