Envoys from 25 countries, including Dominica, Myanmar, Iran, Samoa and Surinam, concluded their visits to northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Friday. They started the Xinjiang visits on July 31 at the invitation of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The envoys visited the regional capital Urumqi, as well as Kashgar and Aksu prefectures, where they witnessed the daily life of Xinjiang people, observed the development of the local economy, and experienced the diverse culture there.

During an exhibition on Xinjiang's anti-terrorism and de-radicalization work in Urumqi, Ijaz Ahmad, minister of the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing said that "Chinese authorities have put great efforts in counter-terrorism, and the people of Xinjiang have been provided a safe and secure environment." He added that China and Pakistan will continue cooperation on counter-terrorism.

After engaging in candid conversations with locals and observing their life, Martin Charles, Dominican ambassador to China, affirmed that there is no human rights violation in Xinjiang.

"I have not seen any forced labor, and have not found any human rights violations," said Charles.

Luamanuvae Mariner, Samoan ambassador to China, pointed out that Chinese law guarantees the freedom of religious belief for all ethnic groups after he visited the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar and Xinjiang Islamic Institute in Urumqi. 

He also added that China's development outcomes are encouraging.

The delegation visited a potable water project built with an investment of over 1.7 billion yuan (about $238 million) in Kashgar's Jiashi County. The project sources water from melted glaciers and snow, and has effectively provided clean and safe drinking water to all residents in the county.

"Providing drinking water to 460,000 people everywhere is a fundamental victory everywhere," said Michael Campbell, Nicaraguan ambassador to China, adding that Nicaragua can learn from China's experience in ensuring people's well-being and fighting poverty.

The delegation also went to the Urumqi International Land Port. Batir Tursunov, minister-counselor of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Beijing, said that Xinjiang plays a vital role in connecting markets between Europe and Asia, and he is looking forward to the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which will bring convenience to people along the route.

Xinjiang serves not only as a crucial transportation hub but also as a region with diverse cultures along the ancient Silk Road. Erika Lizardo, minister-counselor of the Embassy of Peru in Beijing, expressed her admiration for the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves in Aksu, one of China's earliest large-scale grotto groups. 

"China is making a great effort preserving these budda caves, and values its culture everywhere," she said.

In Jiayi Village, Aksu's Xinhe County, which is renowned for musical instrument production, the delegates were welcomed by locals with dances and performances on folk musical instruments such as rewap and tambourine.

Hector Dorbecker, minister of the Embassy of Mexico in Beijing, was filled with excitement after watching the performances. He purchased a dutar, a string instrument for his brother, saying "He (Dorbecker's brother) is a music lover and I can hear him play music with this Xinjiang instrument."

"Seeing is believing. The Chinese government is making efforts to preserve the culture and language of multi-ethnic groups," Ijaz Ahmad said as a response to some Western media's so-called "cultural genocide" accusations.

(With input from Xinhua)