"We hope the world can hear Guinea-Bissau's voice, and we welcome Chinese media to share our stories," said Florentino Fernando Dias, Guinea-Bissau's Minister of Social Communication.

BISSAU, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Guinea-Bissau places great importance on developing media cooperation with other countries, particularly with China, hoping to strengthen bilateral relations through deepening exchanges in the field of information dissemination, said Florentino Fernando Dias, Guinea-Bissau's Minister of Social Communication.

In an interview with Xinhua on Thursday, Dias said Guinea-Bissau faces challenges in international communication, such as limited media channels and a lack of diverse perspectives. The country's longstanding dependence on Western media outlets has hindered its ability to shape its own narrative and project a more accurate external image.

Strengthening cooperation with Chinese media, he explained, could diversify Guinea-Bissau's information sources and help the African country gain a more balanced and objective view of global affairs.

"We need different voices, particularly those from the Global South, to reflect the diversity of our reality," he emphasized.

In the minister's view, media is a crucial tool for enhancing mutual understanding between nations. Through cooperation, countries can foster closer ties between their peoples, build trust, and lay the groundwork for broader partnerships.

Guinea-Bissau encourages its media outlets to engage in practical collaboration with their Chinese counterparts, including co-producing programs and organizing journalist exchange visits, he added.

Dias also highlighted the enthusiasm Guinean journalists demonstrated in attending short-term training and media exchange programs in China, where they have been introduced to innovative concepts such as digital media communication and have gained valuable practical skills. "This isn't just about capacity-building; it's also about expanding our horizons," he said.

He confirmed that Guinea-Bissau will continue to create favorable conditions for deepening media cooperation with China and support the development of diverse exchange mechanisms, especially in the fields of culture, education and technology.

"We hope the world can hear Guinea-Bissau's voice, and we welcome Chinese media to share our stories," Dias said. "I believe we can work together to create a more open, equitable and truthful global information environment."