HUANGPU SHANGHAI

Ma Xingrui, Party chief of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the Xinjiang regional government, met with Yasutaka Kojima, Japanese cultural advisor of the regional government, on September 12 in Urumqi, capital of the region. [Photo/seexinjiang.com]

Ma Xingrui, Party chief of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the Xinjiang regional government, met with Yasutaka Kojima, Japanese cultural advisor of the regional government, on September 12 in Urumqi, capital of the region.

Ma spoke highly of Kojima for his continuous support for the development of Xinjiang, particularly in the fields of education and culture, promoting better understanding of Xinjiang in Japanese society, and furthering bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

Ma emphasized the significance of Kojima's contributions and expressed his hope that Kojima will continue to support Xinjiang and take active part in deepening exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

Kojima, who focuses on promoting the true narrative of Xinjiang in Japan, showcasing its progress, and dispelling misconceptions fostered by false international reports, expressed his support for Xinjiang's development. He also noted that Xinjiang is playing an increasingly important role under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Kojima has been working to enhance China-Japan relations in cultural and educational sectors, with over 150 visits to Xinjiang. During his current visit, he will be visiting various cultural institutions, museums, schools, as well as cultural sites and heritage locations including Kizil caves and Niya ruins site.