China and Africa should strengthen their cooperation in international cultural affairs to defend the common interests of the two sides, said Meng.

The Ministry of Culture will invest more in cultural exchanges with Africa and offer cultural aid to African countries, according to Meng.

For example, the Ministry will finance some cultural management personnel and art specialists from Africa to come to China every year, Meng said.

A team of Chinese specialists will be sent to Africa next year to observe the culture there and hold talks with their African counterparts on how to co-operate in the cultural industry, said Meng.

Africa wants to learn how China achieved such a rapid development in science, technology and economy while still rooted in its centuries old culture, said Mahamat Doutoum, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). She said Africa wants to learn about China's experience of putting in place cultural polices, such as how to manage the differences of its ethnic groups and languages.

She also called for exchanges in education, technical training and vocational training between the two sides.

Officials from 22 African countries and the OAU are attending the two-day symposium.

A performance presented by the National Ballet of the Republic of Congo, the National Ballet of the Republic of Guinea and China Opera and Dance Drama Theatre took place in Beijing Tuesday.

Also on show in the capital will be a photographic exhibition named "China and Africa" from Wednesday until this Sunday, which will demonstrate political, economic, and cultural relations between China and Africa as well as natural scenery, life and culture in Africa.

The symposium follows the China-Africa Cooperation Forum which was held in Beijing earlier this month.

(China Daily 10/24/2000)