BEIJING, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The fifth seminar held by the Information Office of China's State Council for African press officials started here on Wednesday, drawing 32 officials from 18 African countries.

Over the next two weeks, the Africans will attend lectures and exchange views with their Chinese counterparts, journalists and experts.

Apart from Beijing, they will also visit Chengdu, capital of the southwest Sichuan Province, and Shanghai, the country's economic hub.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Wang Chen, the Information Office head, called for enhanced exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and African press departments. He hoped press officials would serve as bridges to boost mutual understanding between the Chinese and African people.

Adron Aledji Albada, the African delegation head, said each participant cherished the opportunity to visit and learn about China. They would tell what they personally felt about the country to the African people.

The seminar, founded in 2004, aims at strengthening China-Africa press cooperation and cementing friendship.

Source: Xinhua