国内英语新闻:China to further cooperate with Iraq, says diplomat

BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese and Iraqi diplomats agreed to push forward cooperation in various fields on Tuesday in Beijing.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi told visiting Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari that China backs Iraq on its efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity and promote domestic stability.

Yang stressed China is ready to expand bilateral cooperation in energy, infrastructure and other sectors under the country's "Belt and Road" framework so as to help Iraq to accelerate its economic reconstruction.

Al-Jaafari said that Iraq appreciates China's strong support, is willing to further enhance cooperation with China in various areas and upgrade bilateral relations.

Earlier Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Al-Jaafari in Beijing.

Al-Jaafari is paying an official visit to China from June 13 to 17 as a guest of Wang.