A delegation of the Communist Party of China, has arrived in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China to mark the region's 50th anniversary. The delegation is led by CPC senior official He Guoqiang.

The delegation visited the exhibition depicting Ningxia's achievements over the past 50 years.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Ningxia Museum. More than 200,000 historical relics show Ningxia's economy, politics, culture and social development.

During the visit, He Guoqiang said that Ningxia has always been a place for people from different ethnic groups, and therefore has its own culture. He said the founding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and its development has proven the unity of ethnic groups is of great significance. He urged local authorities to continue to promote the development and stability in the region.

The delegation also visited the exhibition depicting Ningxia's achievements over the past 50 years. He Guoqiang said the region's achievements are evidence of the party's success on its ethnic policies. He hopes that the local people will further implement the scientific concept of development in their economic development. He Guoqiang said it's also important to push forward the development of rural areas, as well as strengthen environmental protection, education, health care and social welfare.

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region covers about 66,000 square kilometers and has a population of 6.1 million, of whom more than 35 percent, are the Hui ethnic group.

(CCTV September 23, 2008)