A 32-member delegation, including representatives of multiple countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and officials of the OIC General Secretariat, visited northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from October 16 to 19 at the invitation of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The delegates toured the regional capital Urumqi, cities like Hami, Turpan, and expressing their admiration for the social stability, harmony and collaborative development among the region's diverse ethnic groups.
Walking into an Islamic institute in Urumqi, the delegates hailed the advanced teaching facilities and abundant books that provide an ideal platform for students to learn Islamic culture and history in depth.
They also visited an exhibition on counter-terrorism and de-radicalization efforts in Xinjiang, during which they learned about impacts of terrorism and violence on Xinjiang and called on the whole world to united together to fight terrorism and violence.
"I want to pay my tribute to the courageous Chinese government for successfully conquering the attempts to split up the nation. The Chinese government has done a great deal of work to disseminate real information, educate the people and raise their awareness, and unit people of all ethnic groups across the country," said Boukary Savadogo, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Permanent Representative of Burkina Faso to the OIC.
"All countries should unite as one to fight against terrorism," said Boubacar Gouro Diall, Mali's representative to the OIC.
In Hami City, delegates delved into local efforts in preservation of intangible cultural heritage, tourism development and new energy development.
"We are very impressed of what we have seen so far, very astonished how progress is made in terms of generating electricity at CHD (China Huadian Corporation Ltd). We really think that China is making important steps in terms of technology and advancement in many fields," said Maher Karaki, Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the OIC.
Waking around on village roads of Turpan City, the delegation talked with villagers to know about China's rural revitalization and feel the peaceful atmosphere in the city.
"It's very fantastic, very [good] experience. This is the first time I visited this area of China, but I find it very interesting and very kind people. The people of the community are very nice," said Mahmoud Lele Mohammed, Charge d'Affaires from the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia.
Delegates from Islamic body hail Xinjiang's stability, development
