Expat Eyes | My first encounter with Xinjiang

My name is Osman Softic. I am from Bosnia and Herzegovina. I travelled to northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to attend the Xinjiang Friendship and Exchange Conference with Distinguished International Guests.

It was my first time visiting China, and also my first time in Xinjiang. I visited Urumqi City and Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture during my trip. I work as a political analyst and write about international affairs. The conference addressed major global issues from diverse perspectives, making it incredibly meaningful for me to witness this remarkable, beautiful region with my own eyes.

Photo shows Osman Softic takes pictures at lavender fields in Huocheng County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Xinjiang is a diverse, multi-ethnic region, which has been a refreshing discovery for me. I was already aware of Xinjiang's multicultural and multi-ethnic makeup, yet I had not fully recognized the tremendous progress it has achieved in economic and social development, industrial planning, and China's long-term strategic development for the region. This has been a truly remarkable discovery for me personally.

Photo shows Osman Softic takes pictures at the Horgos Port in Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

I will carry with me not only memories of the people I met and the places I visited, but also a clear vision for the future of Xinjiang. The region maintains close connections with the rest of the world, embracing a shared, prosperous future. I have gained precious memories and valuable materials for my future writing and research, allowing me to further explore Xinjiang's development and promising prospects.

Photo shows Osman Softic tastes locally-grown tomatoes in Huocheng County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

I am extremely grateful for this precious opportunity, and I sincerely thank the warm and kind people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang whom I had the honor to meet. I will cherish this wonderful experience for the rest of my life.

Osman Softic is a researcher at the Institute for International Relations and Geopolitics of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Producer: Xing Peiyu

Supervisor: Liu Yang

Reviewers: Cheng Li and Wang Xiabing

Editor: Gulnigar Amat