23 Aug 21 - story 3

Xi Jinping talks on the phone with Iraqi President Barham Salih

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, August 18. President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with Iraqi President Barham Salih on August 18.

Xi Jinping pointed out that Iraq was one of the first Arab countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and it was also an important cooperative partner of China in the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" in West Asia and North Africa. As a sincere friend of the Iraqi people, China has actively participated in the economic reconstruction of Iraq, and friendly and pragmatic cooperation in various fields has been steadily advancing. After the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia, China and Iran have supported each other and helped each other. China attaches great importance to the development of China-Iran relations, and is willing to continue to support Iran in fighting the epidemic, expand cooperation between the two countries in energy, power, transportation and other fields, help Iran's economic reconstruction and social development, and promote the greater development of China-Iran strategic partnership.

Xi Jinping emphasized that China firmly supports Iran in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, supports Iran in combating terrorism, safeguarding national security and stability, supports the Iraqi people in independently choosing a development path that suits their own national conditions, and opposes interference in Iran's internal affairs by any external forces. It is hoped that the various factions in Iraq will strengthen their unity, promote new progress in the domestic political process, and achieve long-term stability, prosperity and development. China is willing to work with friendly countries including Iraq to jointly promote peace and development and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Barham said that the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China is a major event of milestone significance for China and the world. I wish China will take this as a new starting point for new and greater achievements in the future journey. Both Iran and China are great civilizations with a long history. Iran understands the measures taken by China to safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and firmly adheres to the one-China policy. The Iranian side thanks China for its assistance in the reconstruction of Iraq’s economy and the fight against the new crown pneumonia epidemic, and is willing to deepen the friendly relations between Iraq and China. It hopes to continue to strengthen cooperation with China in fighting the epidemic, expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation, and expand exchanges and cooperation in areas such as culture, tourism, youth, and sports. . Iran is willing to maintain close strategic communication with China, jointly respond to the rapid changes in the international and regional situation, cooperate in combating terrorism, and maintain regional and world peace and stability.