International conference on Altai subregional cooperation held in Xinjiang

Nearly 270 representatives from China, Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia gathered on Tuesday in Altay City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, for the Greater Altai International Conference for Subregional Cooperation.

They discussed a range of topics in areas including trade and investment, culture, sports, tourism, sci-tech education, infrastructure and sustainable growth, and vowed to deepen cooperation in those fields.

The Altai subregion is not merely a geographical concept but an area of unique cultural and historical significance as well as immense potential for cross-regional integrated development, said Vitaliy Snesar, vice governor of Altai Region, Russian Federation, adding that the conference will inject tremendous momentum into future collaboration, paving the way for new mutually beneficial projects.

The event also saw the launch of an international cooperation initiative, with all parties agreeing to deepen trade and economic collaboration, carrying out agricultural technology research, cultivating superior crop varieties and promoting efficient models of production.

On ecological protection, participants expressed willingness to engage in global governance on climate change, collaborate on key technologies for ecological restoration in arid saline-alkali areas, and promote biodiversity conservation.

The Altai subregion's fragile ecosystem makes addressing climate change and environmental degradation a shared responsibility, said Jilel Helel, deputy head of Xinjiang's science and technology department. "We aim to build collaborative platforms to share green technologies and governance experience, leveraging high-standard environmental protection to promote high-quality development," he said.

For connectivity, the initiative proposed upgrading cross-border port logistics and carrying out planning and research on overseas sections of cross-border highway and railway corridors.

The representatives also proposed expanding student exchange programs, co-hosting art exhibitions and holding intangible cultural heritage events. Sister-city partnerships were also emphasized as a platform for multi-level exchanges.

Four thematic sessions were held at the event, covering trade and economic cooperation, culture and tourism, science and technology, and education.

At one of the parallel thematic sessions, 21 speakers from research institutes, universities, enterprises and government agencies showcased international cooperation projects ranging from cutting-edge agricultural technologies and climate-change adaptation to international student training. Chinese companies presented proven solutions in water-saving irrigation and wastewater treatment, highlighting successful cases of international cooperation in relevant countries within the Altai subregion.

The conference concluded with the signing of multiple letters of intent on friendly relations and sector-specific cooperation agreements.

The Altai subregion, spanning about 780,000 square kilometers with a population of over 5.2 million, encompasses the border areas of the four countries connected by the Altai Mountains. The region is characterized by geographical proximity, complementary industries and abundant natural resources, offering significant potential for cooperation.