国内英语新闻:China says to deepen and widen mutual beneficial ties with Iraq

BAGHDAD, March 23 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to further widen and deepen mutual beneficial cooperation with Iraq in all fields and actively participate in its reconstruction, said Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi.

Yang made the remarks on his visit to Baghdad on Sunday when meeting with Iraqi President Fuad Masum, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jubouri.

Yang said that China and Iraq have enjoyed long-standing friendship and made new achievements in promoting bilateral ties.

China is willing increase high-level visits, strengthen political mutual trust, push forward pragmatic cooperation with Iraq and upgrade bilateral ties to higher level, said the Chinese State Councilor.

He added that the new Iraqi government has gained a series of achievements since its establishment last September. And China will help Iraq to improve its self-reliance development capability.

China firmly supports Iraq in its bid to maintain independence, safeguard sovereign and territorial integrity as well as its efforts for peace and stability in the region, he said.

Iraq highly appreciated China's achievement in development and its important role in upholding justice in international affairs, particularly its humanitarian aid to Iraq, said the Iraqi leaders.

Iraq has given high priority to enhancing ties with China and is willing step up cooperation with China in the fields of energy, telecom, agriculture and scientific research, they said.

Yang conveyed to Masum the best regards of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Chairman of China's NPC Standing Committee Zhang Dejiang.