The 6th China-Mongolia Media Forum opened on Oct 15 in the town of Bayanhot in Alxa League, in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Officials and journalists from China and Mongolia attended the forum, which aims to strengthen ties between the two countries through media cooperation.

Cui Yuying, vice-minister of the State Council Information Office of China, said during the opening ceremony that the relationship between China and Mongolia is at its "best time" in history, and cooperation between the two is expected to reach a higher and more substantial level.

Cui said the two countries are neighbors with similar cultures and close connections between their people. Cooperation between media in the two countries is a crucial part of that friendship.

She said media in both countries should promote a deeper connection between the two. Stories of how people in the two countries communicate and cooperate should be delivered through media.

Ulaan, head of the Inner Mongolia's Department of Publicity, said at the opening ceremony that media cooperation between China and Mongolia has made substantial progress. Media professionals in both countries, as a bridge in the friendship, should keep proposing suggestions and ideas to deepen bilateral ties, she said.

B Galaarid, president of the Journalists Association in Mongolia, said there have been frequent high-level visits between the countries in recent years. The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China plays a significant role in promoting comprehensive and strategic cooperation between the two countries. Media in the two countries should act as facilitators in the relationship, he said.

Scholars and experts shared their opinions in the forum and released a proposal for media cooperation and exchange.

The China-Mongolia Media Forum has been held for five successive years since it was established in 2010 and has become increasing important in promoting understanding between the two countries.

President Xi Jinping visited Mongolia last year during the 65th anniversary of the countries' bilateral relationship. The visit heralded a new era for the friendship.

Inner Mongolia, as China's gateway to further open up its southern part, plays an increasingly important role in the cooperation through carrying out high-level visits and other exchanges.

The first China-Mongolia Expo will begin on Friday in Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia. The five-day event will offer a platform for both countries to seek business opportunities and economic cooperation.

Contact the writers through yuanhui@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 10/21/2015 page6)