ALTAY CITY, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region—Nearly 270 representatives from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia gathered on Tuesday for the Greater Altai International Conference for Subregional Cooperation. The event marked a significant step toward enhanced collaboration among the four nations connected by the Altai Mountains.
The delegates discussed a wide range of topics, including trade and investment, culture, sports, tourism, science and technology education, infrastructure, and sustainable development. They collectively vowed to deepen cooperation in these fields.
“The Altai subregion is not just a geographical concept but an area of unique cultural and historical significance,” said Vitaliy Snesar, Vice Governor of Altai Region, Russian Federation. “The conference will inject tremendous momentum into future collaboration, paving the way for new mutually beneficial projects.”
An international cooperation initiative was launched during the event, with all parties agreeing to enhance trade and economic collaboration. Plans include conducting agricultural technology research, cultivating superior crop varieties, and promoting efficient production models.
On ecological protection, participants expressed a strong willingness to engage in global climate change governance. They agreed to collaborate on key technologies for ecological restoration in arid saline-alkali areas and to promote biodiversity conservation.
“The Altai subregion’s fragile ecosystem makes addressing climate change and environmental degradation our shared responsibility,” said Jilel Helel, deputy head of Xinjiang’s science and technology department. “We aim to build collaborative platforms to share green technologies and governance experience, leveraging high-standard environmental protection to promote high-quality development.”
To improve connectivity, the initiative proposed upgrading cross-border port logistics and conducting planning and research on overseas sections of cross-border highway and railway corridors.
The representatives also suggested expanding student exchange programs, co-hosting art exhibitions, and organizing intangible cultural heritage events. Sister-city partnerships were highlighted as platforms for multi-level exchanges.
Four thematic sessions were held, focusing on trade and economic cooperation, culture and tourism, science and technology, and education. At one session, 21 speakers from research institutes, universities, enterprises, and government agencies showcased international cooperation projects ranging from cutting-edge agricultural technologies to climate change adaptation strategies.
Chinese companies presented proven solutions in water-saving irrigation and wastewater treatment, highlighting successful cases of international cooperation within the Altai subregion.
The conference concluded with the signing of multiple letters of intent on friendly relations and sector-specific cooperation agreements, signaling a strong commitment to future collaboration.
The Altai subregion spans about 780,000 square kilometers and has a population of over 5.2 million. Encompassing the border areas of the four countries connected by the Altai Mountains, the region boasts geographical proximity, complementary industries, and abundant natural resources, offering significant potential for cooperation.
