Tianshannet-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Fan Feifei): From July 15 to 18, 2025, a delegation of Afghan young diplomats, led by Noor Ahmad Noor, Director-General of the First Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, visited northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The trip aimed to offer the delegation first-hand insights into Xinjiang's progress across social, economic, cultural, educational and energy sectors.

During the visit, the delegation explored a diverse range of sites—from modern industrial park and vibrant community brimming with daily life to cutting-edge tech enterprise and cultural landmark steeped in history. Xinjiang's multifaceted charm left the members captivated, giving them a fresh understanding of this land.

The strong momentum of economic development

Xinjiang, as a core area of China's Silk Road Economic Belt, has achieved remarkable economic progress that has drawn particular attention. The delegation visited the Urumqi International Land Port, a key hub for trade between China, Central Asia and Europe. The dynamic freight data and busy transportation route maps displayed on the screens vividly demonstrated Xinjiang's pivotal role in regional economic cooperation.

Noor Ahmad Noor noted, "Xinjiang serves as a crucial hub for trade between China, Central Asia and Europe, and its development is there for all to see."

At the Dabancheng wind farm of Xinjiang Energy Group, the delegation witnessed Xinjiang's innovations and progress in the clean energy sector. Towering wind turbines rotate gracefully against the vast Gobi Desert, continuously converting wind energy into electricity and contributing significantly to energy supply in Xinjiang and across China.

Photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows diplomats visit the modern production workshop of the Xinjiang Branch of GAC Motor in the Economic and Technological Development Zone (Toutunhe district) in Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The delegation also visited the Xinjiang Branch of GAC Motor, where they observed the efficient operation of modern automobile production lines. The advanced manufacturing equipment and stringent quality control impressed them deeply, offering a firsthand glimpse of Xinjiang's strong industrial manufacturing capabilities.

During the visits, delegation members repeatedly expressed their hope to engage in more economic cooperation with Xinjiang in the future, working together to boost regional economic development.

Ethnic unity and social harmony

The delegation's visit also deepened their understanding of Xinjiang's ethnic unity and social harmony.

Photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows diplomats visit the Guyuanxiang Community in Tianshan District, Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Guyuanxiang Community in Tianshan District is a multi-ethnic residential area. As the delegation entered the community, they were greeted by cheerful music emanating from its comprehensive cultural activity center.

Following the sound of singing, the delegation visited in turn the public discussion station, intangible cultural heritage workshop, science popularization park, chorus room, and traditional culture classroom. They witnessed the harmonious coexistence of people from various ethnic groups.

Ahsanullah Fetrat, Deputy Director-General of the Economic Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, stated that residents of various ethnic groups here live in harmony, treating each other like family and enjoying a happy life.

Shifting from the harmonious community life to a rich cultural experience, the delegation toured the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, where they felt the diversity and inclusiveness of Xinjiang's culture. The streets lined with a wide range of characteristic commodities, the aroma of local delicacies, and the splendid song and dance performances all displayed Xinjiang's unique folk customs.

Solid safeguards for people's well-being

Xinjiang has also made remarkable achievements in improving people's well-being. During their visit to Xinjiang Medical University, where modern teaching facilities and displays of scientific research outcomes offered them insights into the university's efforts to cultivate high-caliber medical professionals. The diplomats affirmed that "Xinjiang's achievements in education and healthcare provide a solid guarantee for the healthy lives of local residents."

The delegation also visited New Cicon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. By gaining on-site insights into the company's production and R&D processes and touring its specialized laboratories, the delegation members developed a direct understanding of the company's strength in the pharmaceutical sector.

During the visit, the delegation noted that Afghanistan boasts abundant medicinal herb cultivation resources, and that there is broad room for cooperation between the two sides in this field. They expressed anticipation for joint efforts to advance relevant cooperation in the future, which would boost the development of the pharmaceutical industry and improve people's well-being in both regions.

After the visit, Noor Ahmad Noor highlighted that Xinjiang's progress—especially in sci-tech innovation—alongside its gains in economy and livelihoods, offers huge scope for cooperation. The delegation hopes to share these insights to boost ties and regional prosperity.

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