The 7th China-Arab States Forum on Radio and Television Cooperation commenced on Wednesday in Chongqing, Southwest China, marking a significant milestone in media collaboration between China and the Arab world. The event drew around 300 participants, including representatives from radio and television authorities, media organizations, international bodies, diplomatic missions, enterprises, and academic think tanks across China and 16 Arab nations.
During the forum, Arab representatives delivered keynote speeches, and participants engaged in extensive discussions on audiovisual content cooperation and technological advancements in the industry. The opening ceremony featured the release of a joint declaration, emphasizing enhanced cooperation in policies, content, technology, and personnel exchanges between China and Arab states.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, praised the forum’s progress in a video address, highlighting its role as a vital platform for fostering friendships and exchanging information, knowledge, and experiences between media leaders and professionals from both regions. He underscored the importance of media in connecting people, particularly in the context of rapid technological and digital advancements, and called for strengthened cooperation to build a new media ecosystem.
The forum also showcased over 50 collaborative achievements in the audiovisual field and announced the winners of the 4th China-Arab States Short Video Contest. Additional highlights included content and technology exchange exhibitions, a concert, media tours, and a drone light show themed on China-Arab cooperation, which illuminated Chongqing’s sky on Wednesday night.
In support of the forum and the upcoming China-Arab States Summit, Chinese and Arab media will continue a selected audiovisual program exchange from September this year to June next year. This initiative will feature outstanding programs from Arab countries on mainstream media platforms in both regions, enriching the viewing experience for audiences and narrating stories of China-Arab friendship and cooperation.
The forum was co-hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration, the Chongqing municipal government, the General Secretariat of the Arab League, and the Arab States Broadcasting Union.