Editor's note:

The second session of the 14th People's Congress of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the second session of the 13th Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Committee of the CPPCC began in January, 2024 in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Diplomats from the embassies of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, SCO observer states and dialogue partners, as well as representatives of international organizations such as the SCO Secretariat and the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation Institute, were invited to sit in on the meetings for the first time. They praised the region's approach to development and expressed their belief in the bright and promising future of Xinjiang.

Sohail Khan, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: It is a unique honor for me and for the representatives of the members of SCO countries, that we have this rare and historic opportunity to sit in on the meeting of the local “two sessions” this year. After listening to and talking with the members of the deputies, I think there is a feeling among all of us that both the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are working together in tandem for the prosperous and happy society of Xinjiang.

I think it was a good gesture that Xinjiang government to invite diplomats and overseas observers to the regional “two sessions” in Urumqi this year. In this way, we could understand and see for ourselves what changes have taken place in Xinjiang and how people are living here. I came here and saw people here living a normal life like any other city in China, I feel that the people here are going to have a very bright future, Xinjiang will get better opportunities to uplift the economy, and social advancement will take place in the coming days.

Bilal Mahmood Chaudhary, minister and deputy chief of mission at the Pakistani embassy in China: It was a very enriching experience to visit Xinjiang and sat in on the meetings of the second session of the 14th People's Congress of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. What impressed me the most was the quality of inputs and policy proposals made by the speakers. The in-depth and diversified proposals and inputs put forward by the speakers covered a very wide range of areas, showcasing the research and the great deal of work done in formulating them.

I was really delighted, well-informed and impressed by the scale and scope of activities undertaken in Xinjiang in 2023. In terms of the development work, what has been achieved in Xinjiang is truly impressive, and the future looks promising in terms of the targets outlined for 2024. I am confident that Xinjiang will place a high priority on development and human resource development, as well as on striking a balance between development and security as outlined at the second session of the 14th People's Congress of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Arash Ghafourian, counsellor of embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in China: I was invited to sit in on the meetings of the regional “two sessions” in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This was the first time I had been to Xinjiang and the first time I had the opportunity to witness this event.

I visited the old town reconstruction archive center of Tianshan District, which surprised me. I could say that the comparison between the old town and the new town of Urumqi City is very impressive and astonishing. In 20 years, the city has changed into a modern city with complex infrastructure. Now, you can find everything here and I can say that it can be compared to the best cities in the world. Through this trip, I saw the government of Xinjiang has been trying to promote the well-being of people and enhance the solidarity between the different ethnic groups who are living in Xinjiang.

Kabir Jurazoda, director of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Institute: Xinjiang is very beautiful, and there are many ancient cities. I had some opportunities to travel to Kashi City and Turpan City, both of which are beautiful ancient cities, especially Kashi. During my trip to Xinjiang, I visited the old town reconstruction archive center of Tianshan District, it was very interesting and showed many interesting things.

The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Institute(CAREC) is an intergovernmental organization jointly shared, owned, and governed by 11 member countries, and we are trying to promote economic and regional cooperation between China and Central Asia. As this year's Spring Festival approaches, I would like to wish all Chinese people happiness and prosperity. China is one of the great countries in the world, and the Chinese people have a great history, so I would like to wish prosperity for China.

Planner: Jie Wenjin

Reviewers: Hou Weili and Cheng Li