Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Media and Communication Sector, along with his accompanying delegation, met with Mrs. Cao Shumin, Director-General of the National Radio and Television Administration (holding the rank of Minister) of the People's Republic of China on the sidelines of the sixth session of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum on radio and television, held from 9 to 11 December in Hangzhou.
The meeting revolved around the strong relations between the League of Arab States and the People's Republic of China within the framework of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum's principles and mechanisms.
Ambassador Khattabi emphasised the significance of the media aspect of this forum, expressing the General Secretariat's commitment, under the guidance of His Excellency the Secretary-General, to prioritise the Arab-Chinese partnership in this crucial field. This includes enhancing programmatic exchange to spotlight both Arab and Chinese civilisations.
The ambassador emphasised the pivotal role of the media in giving substance to the Arab-Chinese partnership, fostering shared interests. He highlighted the imperative to align with the swift evolution in media and communication, advocating for openness to diverse experiences, including the Chinese technological and digital expertise.
In response, the Minister conveyed her appreciation for Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit's support in media collaboration with China, particularly within the framework of the Belt and Road initiative. This initiative, rooted in human, civilisational, and cultural exchange, is especially significant in the context of the deep historical ties between China and the Arab world.
To formalise their commitment, a memorandum of understanding was signed at the conclusion of the meeting between the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States and the National Radio and Television Administration of the People's Republic of China. The agreement is meant to enhance cooperation in the audio-visual field through collaborative efforts among media institutions, establishing partnerships for joint production, and facilitating the exchange of experiences between the two entities.
