China and Arab nations held a forum on press cooperation in Beijing on Wednesday, calling for stronger media exchanges and cooperation, especially on the Beijing Olympic Games.

Liu Yunshan, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, who addressed the opening ceremony, said China always emphasized cooperative relations between its media and those of Arab countries, which was important in deepening friendly ties.

"Beijing is going to hold the Olympic Games in August, which will realize the dream of 1.3 billion Chinese people and attract the world's attention," Liu said.

"We would like to sincerely invite Arab media to come to Beijing to cover the Olympic Games," Liu said. China would try to provide good services to all the journalists.

Arab delegates said Arab nations and peoples were eager to see a successful Olympics, and hoped the forum, first of its kind, would deepen mutual understanding and friendship.

The forum, co-hosted by the Information Office of the State Council and the Secretariat of the League of Arab States (LAS), gathers delegates from all 22 LAS nations and China, with the presence of government officials, chiefs of mainstream media, experts and diplomats.

During the two-day discussion, delegates will touch on Internet coverage, Olympic reporting and the role of the media in China-Arab relations.

Delegates will visit major Olympic venues like the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, and the National Aquatics Center, or the Water Cube.

(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2008)