Karamay launches event to mark Xinjiang's twin 70th anniversaries

An international cultural communication event opened on Thursday in Karamay, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, as the region marks both the 70th anniversary of its founding and the 70th anniversary of oilfield exploration in Karamay.

The event is part of Xinjiang's flagship "One City, One Brand" global communication campaign. Bringing together representatives from foreign sister cities, scholars, enterprises, and media organizations, the program highlights three core topics — the petroleum industry, cultural tourism and international cooperation — to foster dialogue and deepen partnerships.

In his welcoming remarks, Ma Xueliang, Party secretary of Karamay, said the city's growth mirrors Xinjiang's stability and progress, shaped by builders from across China who infused it with openness and diversity. He encouraged guests to experience Karamay's blend of industrial, digital, and ecological strengths and gain a fuller understanding of Xinjiang.

Speakers from Pakistan, Russia, and China called for closer cooperation and broader people-to-people exchanges. The event also saw the launch of a "Journalists' Home" for sister cities and the signing of several cooperation memorandums. Three thematic salons on green energy transition, culture-sports-tourism integration, and media credibility in the AI era further enriched the program.