A Xinjiang-themed cultural festival opened in Cairo, Egypt on July 6 to boost China-Egypt exchange and cooperation.

The event, titled "2017 Experience China in Egypt," features the country's northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region through several exhibitions, performances as well as other cultural activities.

Chinese top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng sent a congratulatory letter to the festival, saying that the event will present a general picture of Xinjiang including its landscape, socio-economic development and cultural achievement for the Egyptian public.

He hoped the event could boost mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.

"Egypt is the first African country as well as the first country in the Arabic world to have established diplomatic ties with China and the two countries have since maintained healthy and stable relations despite changing international and regional situations," Yu said. He believed the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative could bring new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

Cui Yuying, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and vice minister of the State Council Information Office (SCIO), read Yu's congratulation letter during the opening ceremony of the event.

The event is jointly organized by the State Council Information Office of China, the autonomous regional government of Xinjiang and the Chinese Embassy in Egypt.