2016年CRI China to train Latin American and Caribbean media professionals: Xi（在线收听）

Addressing the opening of a media leaders' summit in the Chilean capital, Santiago, Xi Jinping has announced China's plan to provide training to 500 media professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean in the next five years, with a center already established to host visiting journalists.

"As an ancient Chinese saying goes - when we speak a common language and live according to a common set of principles, no distance is enough to separate us. Exchanges in the media sector are an important component of China-Latin America relations. Our media sectors play an integral role in deepening the friendship between our peoples."

The Chinese president is also calling on Chinese and Latin American media organizations to become more active on addressing major issues, such as world peace and development.

Xi Jinping has added that media agencies play a critical role in helping create more pragmatic cooperation between China and Latin America, as well as promoting enthusiasm and confidence in bilateral cooperation, and develop innovative cooperation models.

The event in Santiago has attracted leaders from more than 80 Latin American news and media agencies, as well as representatives from 20 different Chinese media organizations, including China Radio International.

Wang Gengnian, Director of China Radio International, attends a summit of Chinese and Latin American media executives in Santiago, capital of Chile, on Nov. 22, 2016. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Wang Gengnian, Director of China Radio International, has also delivered a speech at the forum, backing up Xi Jinping's call and highlighting Latin America as an important region for the station.

"CRI has always worked hard on developing our Latin American market. In recent years, CRI has rapidly set up our networks here and deepened cooperation with local agencies. We now offer our products via our multimedia platforms. Content is now available in Spanish and Portuguese via broadcasts, the Internet, TV, magazines and social media to promote China-Latin America relations. "

Wang Gengnian also says CRI is working on creating more multilingual information sharing platforms, as well as increasing operation in developing professional talent.

Wang Gengnian says CRI's future plans for the Latin American market include more promotion of the station's Spanish broadcasts, as well as enhancing cooperation with local leaders on web content and social media, as well as to jointly develop video content with Latin American partners.