BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- A white paper released Thursday by the State Council Information Office noted Xinjiang's active cultural exchanges with other countries.

Xinjiang has been an important gateway for China's civilization to open to the West, and has played a significant role in cultural communication and mutual learning between East and West, said the white paper, titled "Cultural Protection and Development in Xinjiang."

Supported by the central government, Xinjiang has created a framework of cultural exchanges with other countries in all sectors and at all levels, it said.

Xinjiang participates in international cultural exchanges and cooperation in various forms, it said, adding that Xinjiang International Ethnic Dance Festival, Chinese and Foreign Culture Week of China-Eurasia Expo, and Publishing Expo have become branded cultural exchange projects of considerable international influence.

In recent years, Xinjiang has been active in building the core area along the Silk Road Economic Belt, strengthening cultural and scientific and technological exchanges with countries along the Belt, according to the white paper.

It said Xinjiang has steadily implemented the "Study-in-China" initiative, gradually increasing scholarships for outstanding students from countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Xinjiang presents different ethnic cultures to foreign countries, it said, adding that since the late 20th century, quality exhibitions of Xinjiang cultural relics, such as the "Exhibition of Ancient Silk Road Cultural Relics of Xinjiang" and "Secrets of the Silk Road - Exhibition of Xinjiang Cultural Relics", have been held in Japan, the United States, Germany, the Republic of Korea, and some other countries.