NINGBO, China, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Journalists play a pivotal role in bridging cultures and fostering understanding between nations, media representatives from the Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) have said.
During the 2024 Round Table for Journalists of China and CEE Countries held here in Southeast China's Zhejiang province on Thursday, over 40 media representatives from more than 10 CEE countries and China shared their views under the theme of "Deepening Media Cooperation, Sharing Development Opportunities."
"Our work transcends borders, providing a platform for dialogue, mutual respect, and the exchange of ideas. The collaboration between Chinese and CEE journalists is crucial in building a more nuanced and comprehensive narrative of our regions," said Andrei Stoian, producer and host of Romania's Channel 33.
"Through joint initiatives, exchange programs, and shared projects, we can enhance the quality and reach of our reporting, contributing to a more informed global audience," said Stoian during the roundtable hosted by the International Department of All-China Journalists Association (ACJA).
Stoian, who had not visited China before this trip, said he was deeply impressed by China's development.
Commenting on the media's responsibility in a changing world, Stoian said the journalists must ensure that their reporting is fair, balanced, and inclusive.
"By promoting transparency and fostering open communication, we can build trust and mitigate concerns, ensuring that our collaborations are perceived as mutually beneficial rather than one-sided. Together, we can build a bridge of knowledge and friendship that will benefit our regions and the world at large," he said.
Echoing Stoian, Pavleta Davidova, journalist of Bulgaria's "24 Hours" newspaper, said China has more to show the world. Media of China and CEE countries can "continue our good friendship and maintain our relations without any prejudices or misunderstanding."
"One of our main tasks is to say the truth, to show the reality in China and our countries," she noted.
Leszek Slazyk, founder and editor-in-chief of Poland's chiny24 website, visited China for the first time in 1994. What impressed him the most during the past 30 years is China's social development.
"I was a witness of that development and this is a fact," said Slazyk, calling on media colleagues, especially those much younger than him, to focus on facts.
"I know that emotions, and clickbaits sell very well. But the mission of the journalist is to inform. So please don't look just on the surface. Please go deeper. Please ask yourself to know better, be sure about the facts you are going to inform about," he said during the roundtable.
In a video speech, Wu Xu, secretary of the secretariat of the ACJA, said that in today's world, where the destinies of all countries are closely linked, the international community can achieve prosperity and development only by jointly meeting challenges and earnestly strengthening cooperation.
She called on the media of all countries to strengthen communication and exchanges, further explain the significance of sharing development opportunities, make full use of the advantages of the media, and deeply reveal the ways and means of sharing development opportunities.
The roundtable was an event of the China (Ningbo) - Central and Eastern European Countries Exchange Week. The CEEC media representatives visited Beijing and Guangdong Province prior to the event and will go to Shanghai and Hebei Province in the coming days.
The tours are co-organized by the Secretariat of Cooperation Between China and Central and Eastern European Countries and the ACJA. ■
