China is ready to deepen cooperation with Iraq and help the country rebuild its economy, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said in Baghdad on March 22.

Yang visited Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government, and met with Iraqi President Fuad Masum, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jubouri and Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

Yang conveyed kind regards from Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and the NPC Standing Committee chairman Zhang Dejiang.

During his meeting with President Masum, Yang said China and Iraq have a long and fruitful relationship, and China highly values this friendship. He also said China is willing to reinforce cooperation with Iraq, and further promote top-level exchanges and mutual trust between the two countries.

State Councilor Yang Jiechi (L-4) meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi (R-2) in Baghdad of Iraq on March 22, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

Yang told Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi that China is happy to see that Iraq has made many achievements, within the country and overseas since the establishment of the new government last September.

Yang said that the Chinese government is ready to actively help Iraq rebuild its economy and boost its ability to develop independently, by working together with Baghdad in various mutually beneficial fields.

China firmly supports Iraq’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and the country’s efforts to safeguard its national security, stability and reconciliation. And Beijing will continue providing humanitarian aid to Iraq.

China and Iraq should also promote cultural exchanges and enhance contacts between legislative institutions so as to sustain friendship, Yang said during his meeting with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jubouri.

Iraqi leaders praised China’s economic achievements and said they appreciate China’s efforts to uphold justice in international affairs.

The Iraqi leaders said Iraq is willing to cooperate with China in the fields of energy, telecommunications, agriculture and technology, and also to promote friendship between people of the two countries.

Iraq also thanked China for supporting its security and stability, and for its humanitarian aid.

State Councilor Yang Jiechi (L) meets with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jubouri (R) in Baghdad of Iraq on March 22, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

State Councilor Yang Jiechi (L) meets with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari in Baghdad of Iraq on March 22, 2015.[Photo/Xinhua]