Delegation from China's Xinjiang concludes visits to France, Germany

MUNICH, May 30 (Xinhua) -- A cultural exchange delegation from Chinas northwest Xinjiang Autonomous Region concluded visits to France and Germany on Monday.

Huang Junxian, deputy director general of the Bureau of Human Rights of the State Council Information Office of China, briefed officials from the Bavarian government on China's stance on Xinjiang-related issues, the implementation of ethnic and religious policies in the region, and its developmental progress.

The Bavarian government agreed with Chinese government's position and both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and exchange on relevant issues, Huang said.

The delegation also visited the Hanns Seidel Foundation, involved in exchanges and cooperation in the western regions of China.

"The purpose of visits was to introduce Chinese ethnic and religious policies in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region to France and Germany," stated Huang.

"We work towards unity of all ethnic groups, social stability, religious harmony and the building of a prosperous society in Xinjiang," he added.

During the visits, there were in-depth exchanges with government officials, experts and scholars from France and Germany, and European institutions to enhance mutual understanding. "At the same time, we also responded to certain doubts from the French and German side on some issues," Huang said.

The important role of Xinjiang in the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road was also emphasized.

The Xinjiang cultural exchange delegation was organized by the State Council Information Office. The delegation paid visits to Paris and Strasbourg in France and Berlin and Munich in Germany.