Cooperation between Chinese and Latin American media is an important part of bilateral relations between the two sides, said China's top publicity official in Beijing Monday.

Liu Yunshan, head of the Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) Central Committee, made the remark during a meeting with media from nine Latin American countries held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Liu expressed a wish to strengthen cooperation between Chinese and Latin American media, saying it will have a profound influence on relations between the two sides.

Liu said maintaining and developing normal relations between China and all Latin American countries are in the common interests of both sides and in conformity with historical trends.

During the meeting, Lazaro Barrero Medina, president of the Granma newspaper of Cuba, recognized the achievements China has made in its 30 years of reform and opening-up to the outside world.

He said the delegation of Latin American media is willing to witness the new face of social and economic development in China.

The delegation is here to discuss ways to expand media cooperation with relevant Chinese authorities.

Latin American media members are visiting China at the invitation of the Information Office of the State Council.

The delegation consists of people from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2008)