ISLAMABAD, Jun 1 (APP): Pakistan and China Friday agreed to cement bilateral media ties including the exchange of media delegations. It was agreed that China would provide training facilities to Pakistani journalists for their capacity enhancement and skill-building in the backdrop of mushroom growth of media institutions. Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui called on Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani here and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. Cultural Councilor Shaun Baoxiang was also present.

Durrani said Pakistan wants to strengthen close cooperation with China in all media sectors including electronic and print and a delegation of leading journalists would visit China next month.

"Pakistan and China are not only friendly neighbouring countries but also enjoy time-tested and trusted ties. China is already assisting Pakistan in other sectors and Pakistan needs cooperation in the media sector keeping in view the latest media trends in the world," he said and added that skill-training and capacity-building along with the usage of latest technology and machinery are priorities of the government.

The Minister said that establishment of Media University is an important step in Pakistan and this would become another symbol of Pak-China friendship.

"The media university would add a new chapter in the history of Pak-China friendly ties. The recent visit to Pakistan by a delegation of communication university of China also is an important development. The delegation held talks with government regarding the short listing of subjects to be launched in the media university," he said.

He said the media delegation exchange would diversify the already established strong media ties between the two countries. He said the journalists of both the countries would also interact and benefit from the experiences of both sides.

"Joint ventures in holding cultural events could give new dimension to  bilateral cooperation. Moreover, both the countries could further benefit from joint productions and the exchange of already produced programmes. This would also cement people-to-people contacts," said the minister.

He told the ambassador that the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) was working on a major project of Electronic News Gathering (ENG) which would help engthen the media exchange between the two friendly states. Moreover, a special representative of Pakistan Television (PTV) would be appointed in Beijing on a permanent basis for better coverage of social life of the Chinese people," he said.

Hailing the initiatives of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ambassador said that China was ready to extend all possible cooperation to Pakistan.