BAGHDAD — Raed Fahmi, secretary of the Central Committee of the Iraqi Communist Party, hailed China's achievements during the past 70 years, saying its experience is a great and workable example for other countries.

In the past seven decades, China has managed to overcome problems, including hunger and poverty, "ensure its people a high standard of living and provide a prosperous future for the coming generations," Fahmi told Xihua in an interview ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), which falls on Oct 1.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the country has also played a greater global role, particularly in promoting world peace, said the Iraqi politician.

China is widely seen as a country of peace and "widely recognized as a promoter of world peace," Fahmi said, pointing out that China seeks to promote equality in international relations based on respect for the specificity and independence of each country.

He also said that China's cooperative relations with others made it possible to assist other countries' development.

"The founding of the PRC 70 years ago was one of the greatest events in the world history, and Chinese experience during these decades should be carefully studied," which contains lessons that can benefit people all over the world, said Fahmi.

Since China first embarked on the path of reform and opening-up in 1978, the living standards of the Chinese people have widely improved, and the country has changed the world with its considerable contribution to global trade and economy, Fahmi added.

Regarding the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Fahmi said it is an initiative that "makes all its state members involved in common interests."

The BRI can help build or boost infrastructure in countries along the routes, develop their economic exchanges and cooperation, as well as promote East-West cooperation so as to develop an international network and integration, he said.

"We in the Arab region have a great desire and willingness to deal with this initiative," Fahmi added.

Fahmi said one of the biggest economic challenges facing Iraq today is the development of its infrastructure. "Iraq's cooperation with China within the BRI framework will provide a solid ground for developing infrastructure, and the same is true for other fields, whether economic, cultural, etc."

As for China's proposal to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Fahmi said that this idea is a good way to "deal with challenges that face the world to live together peacefully regardless of the nature of their economic and social systems."

Fahmi called on countries in the Middle East to take advantage of the vision to address regional crises in a way that serves peace and the rights of the people in the region.