On 7–8 September 2026, at the invitation of the Government of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of the People's Republic of China, the Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Nurlan Yermekbayev, visited the city of Urumqi.
On 7 September, the delegation of the SCO Secretariat toured a thematic exhibition on counter-terrorism efforts and deradicalisation measures in Xinjiang, as well as an exhibition marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the XUAR.
The Secretary General took part in a collective meeting of the leadership of the XUAR, headed by Party Secretary Chen Xiaojiang, and foreign guests. Chen Xiaojiang briefed the delegates on the PRC's policy for the development of Xinjiang, the region's major achievements over recent decades, and its development prospects, emphasizing the XUAR's enduring openness to strengthening external ties.
Nurlan Yermekbayev noted the significant role of Xinjiang in promoting practical cooperation between China and the SCO member states and highlighted a number of areas where such cooperation could be further developed, including transport and trade connectivity, modern and "green" technologies, as well as humanitarian and interregional exchanges.
On 8 September, the Secretary General participated in the on Xinjiang Friendship and Exchange Conference with Distingueshed International Guests. Speaking at the event, Nurlan Yermekbayev noted, among other things, that Xinjiang's border location and its existing transport and logistics infrastructure create favourable conditions for expanding cooperation between China and the SCO states. Key hubs such as Khorgos, Alashankou, and the international land ports of Urumqi and Kashgar are already forming an important foundation for the development of trade and transport flows.
It was emphasized that the Secretariat, as the main permanent body of the SCO, is grateful to the leadership of Xinjiang for its interest in and active support for cooperation within the Organisation. As examples, the Secretary-General noted the Sub-Centre at the China–SCO Big Data Cooperation Centre and the SCO "Year of Tourism" Forum.
During the visit, Nurlan Yermekbayev held a series of talks with the leadership of the XUAR and the heads of foreign delegations, and also answered questions from a number of foreign media outlets.