BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese diplomat has called for greater press cooperation between China and Africa during an African press delegation's visit to China.

The delegation, including 24 members from French-speaking countries, is visiting at the invitation of the Foreign Ministry Information Department. Besides Beijing, they will also visit Gansu Province, the most underdeveloped region in northwest China, and Shanghai Municipality, the country's economic center.

Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun told the delegation in Beijing that he hoped they would gain a comprehensive understanding of China, and the traditional friendship between the Chinese and African peoples.

He urged the delegates to inform the African people about Chinaso as to promote the mutual understanding and friendship.

Zhai also answered questions about China-Africa trade, China's measures to support the development of Africa and the Taiwan issue.

A China-Africa summit and the third ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is scheduled to be held in Beijing in November. More than 30 African heads of state or government will attend.

Zhai briefed the delegation on the preparations, and said the Chinese government was willing to work with African countries to make the summit an opportunity to promote friendly cooperation. Enditem