The 7th China-Arab States Forum on Radio and Television Cooperation kicked off on Wednesday in Southwest China's Chongqing, attracting approximately 300 representatives from radio and television authorities, media organizations, international bodies, diplomatic missions, enterprises, and academic think tanks from China and 16 Arab countries.

The forum featured keynote speeches from Arab representatives and in-depth discussions about audiovisual content cooperation and technological development in the industry.

The event's opening ceremony saw the release of a joint declaration aimed at enhancing cooperation in policies, content, technology, and personnel exchanges between China and Arab states.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, gave a video speech, wherein he praised the progress made at the forum. He described it as an important platform for media leaders and professionals from China and Arab nations to forge friendships and exchange information, knowledge, and experience. "We recognize the crucial role of media in connecting people, especially amid rapid technological and digital advances. This progress urges us to strengthen cooperation and build a new media ecosystem," he said.

The forum also released over 50 collaborative achievements in the audiovisual field and announced the winners of the 4th China-Arab States Short Video Contest. It featured content and technology exchange exhibitions, a concert, and media tours. A drone light show themed on China-Arab cooperation lit up the city's sky on Wednesday night.

In support of the forum and next year's China-Arab States Summit, Chinese and Arab media will continue a selected audiovisual program exchange from September this year to June next year. This initiative will feature outstanding audiovisual programs from Arab countries showcased on mainstream media platforms in both regions, enriching the viewing experience for audiences and narrating stories of China-Arab friendship and cooperation.

The forum is co-hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration, the Chongqing municipal government, the General Secretariat of the Arab League, and the Arab States Broadcasting Union.