The media has been commended for promoting increased cooperation between Zimbabwe and China amid calls for deepening of economic, cultural and people to people relations in 2024.
Speaking at an end of year reception for journalists hosted at the Chinese Embassy in Harare, Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding said the media should continue to highlight the fruits of cooperation between the two countries.
“Your dedication has been crucial in highlighting the cultural richness, economic opportunities and collaborative framework that defines our bilateral relations,” said Amb Ding.
“Your commitment to accuracy and truth has been the bedrock upon which the structure of China-Zimbabwe relations stands.”
He said the media had a responsibility to nurture relations between the two countries for mutual benefit.
The Herald editor Mr Hatred Zenenga said the media had a crucial role in promoting and highlighting the impact of economic collaboration and also help foster understanding of the two countries’ cultures.
“The media can highlight the benefits of collaboration and joint ventures between Zimbabwe and China. They can report on successful joint projects that are being undertaken with some of them completed already in infrastructure development,” said Mr Zenenga.
He said the media played a critical role in opinion building through providing platforms for diverse people including scholars to share their thoughts and findings on Zimbabwe-China friendship.
The media, he said, should critically assess all aspects of the Zimbabwe-China relations through adhering to journalistic principles.
Alpha Media Holdings editor-in-chief Mr Kholwani Nyathi said China-Zimbabwe relations were previously misunderstood and it was the role of the media to promote greater understanding.
“In recent years, China has been making great inroads into Africa and is the largest investor in Zimbabwe and we owe it to our audiences as media to report on these issues from an informed position,” said Mr Nyathi.
He said a recent trip to China changed his perception of the country and how developed it is.
The media reception brought journalists and management from various media houses in the country.
Herald
