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Thursday, September 19, 2019, 10:36
Envoy sees Iraqi PM's visit to China boosting bilateral ties
By Xinhua
Thursday, September 19, 2019, 10:36 By Xinhua

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi addresses the Iraqi parliament during the vote on the new government, Oct 24, 3018 in Baghdad. China's Ambassador to Iraq, Zhang Tao, said the Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's upcoming visit to China will mark a new phase in the Iraqi-Chinese relations as it will promote mutual cooperation between the two countries. (PHOTO / AFP)

BAGHDAD - Zhang Tao, China's Ambassador to Iraq, said the Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's upcoming visit to China will mark a new phase in the Iraqi-Chinese relations as it will promote mutual cooperation between the two countries. 

The visit of prime minister is the most important visit of Iraqi officials to China, especially after Iraq achieved great victories over the terrorists of Daesh (Islamic State), and the security situation is improving significantly, which increases Iraq's opportunities for reconstruction

 Zhang Tao,

China's Ambassador to Iraq

In an interview with the state-run newspaper al-Sabah published on Tuesday, Zhang confirmed China's desire to contribute in reconstruction of Iraq as Iraq is a partner in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

On Thursday, Abdul Mahdi, heading a large Iraqi delegation, will pay an official visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

"The visit of prime minister is the most important visit of Iraqi officials to China, especially after Iraq achieved great victories over the terrorists of Daesh (Islamic State), and the security situation is improving significantly, which increases Iraq's opportunities for reconstruction," Zhang said.

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Zhang said the two countries are keen to consolidate their ties through seeking to sign a joint agreement to establish cooperation in various fields.

The bilateral cooperation will extend to electricity, water purification, construction of schools, hospitals, housing units, transportation projects, and the Chinese firms will participate in areas that the Iraqi people urgently need, he said.

Iraq is China's largest economic partner and fourth largest crude oil exporter, and the Chinese companies view Iraq as an important market, the ambassador said.

Zhang said the visit shows special importance as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The Chinese government, people and companies are looking forward for this visit, according to Zhang, as the "the two countries have complementary advantages."

READ MORE: Chinese envoy calls for political settlement in Iraq

"Iraq, for example, needs Chinese funds, technology and cadres,” Zhang said. “In return, China needs energy from Iraq, so the cooperation between the two countries is complementary, as China can use its technical and technological advantages to participate in the reconstruction of Iraq.”

Zhang also said the cooperation between China and Iraq in the building of ports, railways and bridges will be included in the framework of BRI.

"It can be said that China and Iraq have common interests and foundations in promoting BRI," he said.

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