The role of media collaboration in building a more efficient international communication system was highlighted at this year's South and Southeast Asian Media Network Annual Meeting, held in Xishuangbanna, Southwest China's Yunnan province, on Monday.

Initiated by China Daily Asia Pacific and the Yunnan International Communication Center for South and Southeast Asia in January, more than 100 media outlets from 12 countries took part in the network, aiming to highlight the importance of strengthening media exchanges and cooperation.

Over the past year, these organizations have explored agenda setting, technological innovation and cultural exchanges through their alliance, promoting the exchange and mutual learning among civilizations and people-to-people connectivity, according to Zeng Yan, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Yunnan Provincial Committee.

Zeng called for cooperation mechanisms for joint content creation, co-construction of media platforms and article exchanges, joint education and exchange programs for media talent, as well as organizing joint interviews, conferences and academic lectures, specialized training sessions and setting up awards.

Zhu Baoxia, deputy publisher of China Daily, said that over the past year, the network has deepened the understanding and cooperation between the media organizations in various countries and contributed to promoting cultural exchanges and people-to-people connectivity in the region.

"China Daily will continue to deepen exchange and cooperation with Yunnan province, as well as media organizations of the network. Facing a global audience, we aim to tell in a better way stories of China, South Asia and Southeast Asia, highlighting the region's cultural exchanges, mutual learning and socioeconomic development. By doing so, we will showcase the region's strength in global development and amplify our shared voice," Zhu said.

Neth Pheaktra, Cambodia's minister of information, said that the members of the network will create a more potent synergy to connect the hearts of people across borders and expressed hope that the media sector harness their strengths, actively promote positive energy, and foster cultural exchange and mutual appreciation, to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

During the event, members of the network signed an international communication cooperation agreement for the upcoming year and launched a "Media Plus" cooperation project, which will include joint media production, exhibitions and cultural exchange programs in China, Cambodia, Laos and other countries in the region.