Addressing a group of Egyptian journalists and businessmen in the Chinese Embassy in Cairo, Aabdul'ahat Abdurixit said Xinjiang is one of the regions to be fully developed in the 21st century, and Egypt is welcomed to participate in the economic development of Xinjiang to seek common prosperity.

He said the Chinese government is implementing a strategy of developing western regions, providing an unprecedented opportunity to narrow the gap between Xinjiang and eastern parts of China.

"We are looking forward to cooperating with Egyptian partners in terms of the economy, trade, science and technology, culture and education," he said.

Top priority should be given to the development of infrastructure and improvement of the ecology in the region, he said, adding that some major projects in water conservancy, transportation, telecommunications and power will be carried out in the years to come.

Moreover, the autonomous regional government is fully prepared to develop agricultural, industrial and tourism sectors while promoting cooperation with domestic and international partners in a variety of areas, he said.

Xinjiang, which covers 1.6 million square kilometers, makes up one-sixth of China's territories and shares 5,600 kilometers of borders with neighboring countries.

So far, the Uygur autonomous region has opened up 16 land ports to foreign visitors and businesses. And Xinjiang has opened 69 domestic and international air routes.

(People's Daily June 11, 2002)