STORY: Lebanese expert praises ethnic unity, economic development in Xinjiang
SHOOTING DATE: June 19, 2024
DATELINE: Aug. 2, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:55
LOCATION: Beirut
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST: 
1. various of Xinjiang, China
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): SAMIR DIAB, General coordinator of the Arab Leftist Forum
3. various of Xinjiang, China

STORYLINE:

As one of China's most beautiful regions, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is characterized by its culture of cooperation, societal fusion, and ethnic diversity, a Lebanese expert told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Samir Diab, general coordinator of the Arab Leftist Forum, visited Xinjiang in March as part of a delegation of Arab politicians. Recalling the visit, he praised the ethnic unity, economic development, and beautiful scenery in Xinjiang.
   
SOUNDBITE (Arabic): SAMIR DIAB, General coordinator of the Arab Leftist Forum
"The development in Xinjiang made huge leaps that were ahead of time and in a very short period and it touched the social, economic, and development aspects. During the last 15 years, the region of Xinjiang achieved huge advances economically regarding its GDP. It is a region of international trade. With the Belt and Road Initiative, the region has become a very important international hub and a strategic place for the export of goods to Europe and from Europe to the rest of the world."

Diab said that the Uygurs, like other ethnic groups in China, enjoy the freedom of belief and practicing their religious activities.

He said the government's policy on Xinjiang has transformed it into one of the most important Chinese regions by strengthening cultural construction, harmonizing ethnic ties, stimulating investment, improving agriculture, creating job opportunities, and increasing people's living conditions.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beirut.
(XHTV)