Li Changchun, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on Tuesday called for closer cultural exchanges between China and African countries.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks in a meeting with the chief delegates from 45 African countries who are in Beijing for the first China-Africa culture ministers' forum held under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Hailing the fruitful cooperation China and Africa have conducted in all areas in recent years, Li said in-depth cultural exchanges and cooperation would help promote mutual understanding and trust, maintain the cultural diversity of the world and enhance the global say of developing countries in cultural areas.

He said the culture ministers' forum marks the establishment of a high-level cultural strategic dialogue mechanism between China and Africa, which will give strategic guidance for future cultural exchanges and cooperation.

Li added that China, as Africa's good friend, partner and brother, will make joint efforts with African countries to make greater contributions to their peace and development, as well as the prosperity of the world.

Nigerian Minister of Culture and Tourism Edem Duke, speaking on the behalf of all the delegates, echoed Li's sentiments. He spoke highly of the positive role the forum and the signing of relevant documents would play in the development of China-Africa cultural relations.

The forum, held from Monday to Tuesday in Beijing, attracted culture ministers and representatives from 45 African countries.

All attendees reviewed the achievements of China-Africa cultural relations since the FOCAC Beijing summit and discussed how to further deepen China-Africa cultural exchanges and cooperation.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Culture, since the FOCAC Beijing summit in 2006, China and Africa have seen nearly 70 performances by visiting art groups and more than 30 visiting exhibitions, and they have conducted more than 20 cooperation programs on human resources training in a variety of areas, including national governance, model art, handicraft, choreography and acrobatics. China has also provided cultural materials assistance worth about 7.2 million yuan ($1.13 million) to 36 African countries.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2012)