ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia — Chinese and Russian media leaders and government officials met in Russia's southern city of Rostov-on-Don on Monday to explore cooperation opportunities in the field of internet-based media.

Chinese and Russian media outlets face the common tasks of telling their countries' stories to the world audience and getting a bigger say in the international arena through practical cooperation in the internet era, said Zhou Shuchun, editor-in-chief of China Daily, a national English-language newspaper.

"To that end, we should involve more young people from both countries in cooperative programs and encourage their creativity so that they can pass on China-Russia friendship," Zhou said.

Russian Deputy Minister of Communications and Mass Media Alexei Volin said it is necessary to strengthen cooperation in internet-based media with a focus on the education of young journalists.

About 150 people from governmental bodies, media outlets and academic institutions attended the meeting.