Premier Li holds talks with Iraqi PM on ties, cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, voicing support for Iraq's reconstruction and encouraging more practical cooperation.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang holds talks with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 23, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

Li said China and Iraq are two ancient civilizations and have a long history of friendly exchanges.

He commended the bilateral ties between the two countries since they established diplomatic relations and voiced support for Iraq's efforts to restore security and stability, promote economic and social reconstruction, and improve people's livelihood.

China is ready to work with Iraq to deepen mutual political trust, expand practical cooperation across the board, and enhance people-to-people exchanges to promote the China-Iraq strategic partnership for greater development, Li said.

Li pointed out that China is willing to participate in Iraq's reconstruction, maintain a long-term and stable energy partnership with Iraq, and expand cooperation in capacity, manufacturing and agriculture to fuel the diversified development of the Iraqi economy and achieve win-win results.

The Chinese Premier said his country stands ready to work with Iraq to dovetail the Belt and Road Initiative with Iraq's reconstruction plan, supports Chinese enterprises to positively take part in Iraq's infrastructure construction and hopes that Iraq will take forceful measures to guarantee the safety of Chinese institutions and individuals in the country.

Abdul Mahdi said Iraq and China are enjoying the best bilateral relations in their history and his country has experienced war and is rebuilding its homeland.

He said China is a country that loves peace and advocates cooperation, adding that Iraq is willing to work with China to enhance cooperation in the fields of trade, the economy, infrastructure construction, energy and culture to realize greater development of bilateral relations.

After the talks, Li and Abdul Mahdi witnessed the signature of a series of bilateral cooperation documents on the economy and technology, finance and culture.

Prior to the talks, Li held a welcoming ceremony for his Iraqi counterpart in the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People.