Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Si Lulu) news:From October 22 to 28, 2024, a media delegation from Cyprus spent a week in Xinjiang, visiting Urumqi, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, and Aksu Prefecture. They explored museums and the Xinjiang Islamic Institute to gain insights into Xinjiang's historical culture, ethnic arts and religious situation. They toured enterprises and scenic areas to witness the achievements in Xinjiang's technological advancements and its stunning natural landscapes. They experienced firsthand the social stability, cultural prosperity, ethnic unity, religious harmony, and the well-being of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

On October 28, as their visit to Xinjiang concluded, a member of the Cyprus media delegation remarked on the region's unique beauty and the limitless prospects for innovation in industrial and agricultural technology. The member also noted that Xinjiang, China, is rapidly evolving and is worthy of study.

Photo shows media delegation from Cyprus dance with local dance performers in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Lu Xueting)

On October 23, 2024, at the Xinjiang Islamic Institute, members of the delegation gained an in-depth understanding of the training of faculty and the implementation of religious activities. Members of the delegation also visited an exhibition on counter-terrorism and de-radicalization efforts in Xinjiang at the Xinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center, and they were informed about the dangers posed by terrorism and religious extremism in Xinjiang through images, videos, and physical displays. They expressed a strong desire to enhance international cooperation to jointly prevent and combat terrorism.

At the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi and the Qiuci Alley in Kuqa City, the delegation members leisurely wandered through the intricate streets, admiring the unique and quaint traditional residences on either side and the array of ethnic handicrafts available at the stalls. They frequently paused to appreciate the craftsmanship and engage in price discussions with the vendors. The delegation also visited historical and cultural sites such as the Qiuci Wei and Jin Ancient Tomb Site Museum in Kuqa City and the Kizil Grottoes in Baicheng County, marveling at the rich historical and cultural heritage of Xinjiang, China.

At an exhibition hall of Wan Tongshu and Xinjiang Uygur Muqam art in the Xinjiang Arts University, the delegation members enjoyed a performance of the Twelve Muqam. At the Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance Center in Bohu County, they appreciated various programs, including the performance of Tovshuur, Qinqiang Opera, and the Mongolian epic Jangar, experiencing the heartfelt aspirations of the people of Xinjiang who express their lives and pursuit of happiness through music and dance.

A member of the delegation remarked that what they witnessed was not only ancient instruments and dances but also the beautiful spiritual pursuit of how people build harmonious homes and live happily.

Photo shows a member of the media delegation in a cotton field in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with a cotton harvester behind him. (Photo by Shen Kailong)

On October 25, 2024, the delegation arrived in Luntai County, known as the "Hometown of Chinese White Apricots." It is currently the cotton harvest season in Xinjiang, and in the cotton fields of Lunnan Town, two large cotton-picking machines are hard at work, creating a bustling scene of harvesting activity. Some fields have already been harvested, with the cotton being packed into individual "cotton bales." Members of the delegation entered the fields to take photos with the cotton bales.

A member of the delegation stated that they trust what they see with their own eyes. They observed the high level of mechanization in Xinjiang's cotton harvesting, noting that an entire cotton field can be harvested and packaged in just a few minutes, demonstrating remarkable efficiency.

The delegation also visited enterprises to gain in-depth insights into Xinjiang's technological innovations in areas such as new material research and development, urban road construction, wind and sand prevention, and water resource management. They expressed a strong desire for enhanced technological cooperation and increased exchanges between enterprises from both countries.

A member of the delegation remarked that the situation in Xinjiang, China, is different from what they had previously understood; the people live in peace and harmony. They also noted that the Chinese government is making every effort to improve the welfare of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The delegation deeply felt the strong desire of the people living there to understand, support each other, and collaboratively build a better home. They expressed hope that this visit would further strengthen their connections and exchanges with Xinjiang, deepen practical cooperation, and create a bright future together.

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