URUMQI, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Diplomatic envoys from 26 countries and regions in China began a five-day visit to northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Monday, about a month after the deadly riot in the regional capital of Urumqi.

    At the invitation of the autonomous regional government, they are expected to acquire a better understanding of Xinjiang's development over the past several decades in various respects, including its politics, economy, ethnic and religious policies, preservation of cultural relics and the livelihood of local residents.

    The diplomatic envoys came from Kuwait, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, Afghanistan, Sweden, Australia, the United States and other countries and regions.