China’s Xinhua News Agency has officially opened a branch in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, marking a significant milestone in the country’s media and diplomatic ties with China. The inauguration of the new branch, approved by the government of Guinea-Bissau, reflects the growing cooperation between the two nations in the fields of culture, media, and people-to-people exchanges.
At the unveiling ceremony on Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau, Yang Renhuo, highlighted the importance of this new development. He referenced the strategic agreements made during the state visit of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo to China in July 2024. During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Embalo discussed deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the media sector, and emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges.
Yang emphasized that Xinhua’s establishment of a branch in Bissau is a tangible outcome of these discussions, strengthening the traditional friendship between China and Guinea-Bissau. He expressed confidence that the move would foster mutual trust and contribute to enhanced cultural ties between the two countries.
Florentino Fernando Dias, Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Social Communication, welcomed the initiative, stressing the country’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Chinese media organizations. He underscored that Guinea-Bissau maintains a positive and open stance towards such cooperation and sees it as a vital step towards bolstering their media landscape.
Ying Qiang, Director of Xinhua’s Africa Regional Bureau, shared his hopes for the Bissau branch to play a crucial role in reporting on Guinea-Bissau’s social progress, the welfare of its people, and the benefits of the China-Guinea-Bissau partnership. Ying further noted that the branch would not only enhance the visibility of Guinea-Bissau’s stories in China but also help amplify the African nation’s voice on the global stage.
The Bissau office is Xinhua’s 184th overseas branch, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to strengthening its international presence and supporting global media exchanges, particularly across Africa.
