Senior leader visits Kyrgyz autonomous prefecture in Xinjiang

ATUSH, Xinjiang, Sept. 28  -- Top Chinese political advisor Yu Zhengshengon Monday visited China's western-most Kizilsu region as China prepares to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Bordering Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Kizilsu is the only Kyrgyz autonomous prefecture in the country. Some 27 percent of the local population was Kyrgyzstan 2013 local government figures show.

Yu met with factory workers, representatives of people from all walks of life and cadres based in Xinjiang.

Yu urged local enterprises to seize the opportunity of the "Belt and Road" initiative and join enterprises from bordering countries to achieve win-win results.

When meeting with students of bilingual teacher-training school, Yu said bilingual education would play a significance role in the future of the nation, and it boosted ethnic solidarity in Xinjiang.

He also called on local residents of different ethnic groups to have more contacts and cherish their peaceful life.

Local officials were urged to continue their efforts to rid the county of terrorism to maintain stability in Kizilsu and ensure that its people live in peace. He also said more should be done in the areas of poverty alleviation, employment and education.

Yu was in Xinjiang leading a central government delegation to attend events marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which will run till Oct. 1.