A Russian-Chinese media seminar opened Friday with calls for the media to build a harmonious world and to increase understanding.

The seminar is part of the "Year of China in Russia" and Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi, who serves as president of the Chinese organization committee of the theme year, said in a congratulatory message that "the topic of the seminar -- mass media's role in building a harmonious world -- is very practical."

"Building a long-lasting peaceful world with co-prosperity needs good international environment for public opinions, which relies on the joint effort of international media. The media should enhance exchanges among countries and promote the building of a harmonious world," Wu said.

"The Sino-Russian media are playing a key role in promoting mutual understanding of the two countries, introducing both countries to the world, and boosting world peace and development. Strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the media lays great importance on further developing Sino-Russian strategic coordinating partnership," she said.

Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev, also president of the Russian organization committee of the theme year, said in his congratulatory message that "the journalists of the Sino-Russian media bear the responsibility of promoting understandings between the two peoples. The peoples should be provided with impersonal, bountiful and interesting information from the other country, which is spread through the media."

"The Year of China in Russia is under way. There should be lots of activities in the future including areas of economy, education, culture and etc. Undoubtedly, the media will give more information to the two peoples," Medvedev said. He believes the theme year will be a great success.

As the seminar opened, Nan Zhengzhong, Editor-in-Chief of China's Xinhua News agency, said the media should let people know the impetus that pushes the world to a harmonious one, and reveal the focus and common interests of different countries.

"Though some differences emerge, there are more similarities between China and Russia. If the media of the two countries insist the principle of "seeking common grounds while reserving difference,' they may play a more important role in promoting and building a harmonious world," Nan said.

Deputy President of the RIA Novosti news agency Andrey Ilyashenko said that the theme year had stimulated increased exchanges between Russia and China, and will help the Russian people to know more about China. He said he hoped that after the seminar the media of the two countries would cooperate at a higher level.

Source: Xinhua