Guinea-Bissau places great importance on developing media cooperation with other countries, particularly with China, hoping to strengthen bilateral relations through deepening exchanges in the field of information dissemination, said Florentino Fernando Dias, Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Social Communication.
In an interview with Xinhua on Thursday, Dias said Guinea-Bissau faces challenges in international communication, such as limited media channels and a lack of diverse perspectives. The country’s longstanding dependence on Western media outlets has hindered its ability to shape its own narrative and project a more accurate external image.
Strengthening cooperation with Chinese media, he explained, could diversify Guinea-Bissau’s information sources and help the African country gain a more balanced and objective view of global affairs.
“We need different voices, particularly those from the Global South, to reflect the diversity of our reality,” he emphasized.
In the minister’s view, media is a crucial tool for enhancing mutual understanding between nations. Through cooperation, countries can foster closer ties between their peoples, build trust, and lay the groundwork for broader partnerships.
Guinea-Bissau encourages its media outlets to engage in practical collaboration with their Chinese counterparts, including co-producing programs and organizing journalist exchange visits, he added.
Dias also highlighted the enthusiasm Guinean journalists demonstrated in attending short-term training and media exchange programs in China, where they have been introduced to innovative concepts such as digital media communication and have gained valuable practical skills. “This isn’t just about capacity-building; it’s also about expanding our horizons,” he said.
He confirmed that Guinea-Bissau will continue to create favorable conditions for deepening media cooperation with China and support the development of diverse exchange mechanisms, especially in the fields of culture, education and technology.
“We hope the world can hear Guinea-Bissau’s voice, and we welcome Chinese media to share our stories,” Dias said. “I believe we can work together to create a more open, equitable and truthful global information environment.” Enditem
Chinese Language Day celebrated in Ethiopia to strengthen cultural exchanges
ADDIS ABABA, April 25 (Xinhua) — The United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated on Friday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, aiming to promote cultural exchanges and strengthen development cooperation between China and Ethiopia.
The annual celebration was held under the theme “Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space” at the Confucius Institute in the Ethiopian Technical and Vocational Training Institute (TVTI), offering a range of cultural experiences, including songs, kung fu, and traditional dances performed by Ethiopian students learning Chinese.
Speaking at the event, Zhang Yawei, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, said language is more than communication. It is a foundation of understanding, the catalyst for innovation, and an enduring bond between world countries.
“The Chinese language carries the crystallized wisdom of the Chinese civilization and bears witness to the enduring friendship between the Chinese people and peoples worldwide, including Ethiopia,” Zhang said.
She encouraged more Ethiopians to learn Chinese, strengthening the bond between the two countries and their rich histories.
“Chinese Language Day is a special occasion for us to celebrate the richness and beauty of the Chinese language, one of the oldest and fascinating languages in the world,” said Biruk Kedir, director-general of TVTI, during the event.
He said the number of students taking Chinese language education in the institute is on the rise due to its increasing role in understanding new technologies and seizing job opportunities in Chinese-run companies across Ethiopia and beyond.
“By learning Chinese language, we are also understanding Chinese philosophy, art, science, and technology,” said Kedir, noting that his institute in partnership with the Confucius Institute and Chinese enterprises has launched several Chinese plus Vocational Skills programs to help Ethiopian technicians better understand technical manuals.
Sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, the event was co-organized by the Confucius Institute of TVTI and the Confucius Institute of Addis Ababa University, attracting more than 100 Ethiopian students and guests from the local Chinese community. Participants also experienced a wide range of Chinese cultural activities such as calligraphy, tea art, and paper cutting. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
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