Interview: Iraq attaches great importance to the strategic partnership between Iraq and China - Interview with Iraqi President Rashid Xinhua News Agency | Reporter | Strategic Partner
On August 22nd, Iraqi President Rashid gave an exclusive interview to Xinhua News Agency reporters at the Presidential Palace in the capital Baghdad. Shen Jizhong
Baghdad, August 31 (Xinhua) - Iraq attaches great importance to the strategic partnership between Iraq and China - Interview with Iraqi President Rashid
Xinhua News Agency reporter Dong Yalei
This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Iraq. Iraqi President Rashid recently said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency reporters at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad that the friendly relationship between Iran and China has a long history. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 65 years ago, bilateral friendly cooperation in various fields has deepened. Iraq attaches great importance to the strategic partnership between Iraq and China and looks forward to the continued development of bilateral relations.
Rashid said that Iraq has been plagued by sanctions, war, terrorism, and other issues for a long time in the past, and urgently needs the support of the international community. In recent years, the security situation in Iraq has significantly improved, and many Chinese enterprises are carrying out infrastructure projects such as water, electricity, and energy here, promoting local economic and social development. We are grateful to the Chinese builders for their contributions to the reconstruction of Iraq.
In December 2015, China and Iraq established a strategic partnership and signed a cooperation document on jointly building the "the Belt and Road", injecting new impetus into China Iraq relations. With the support of both governments, a large number of projects with both economic and social benefits have been successfully implemented or intentions have been reached in recent years, and economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has become increasingly close. Nowadays, China is Iraq's largest trading partner, and Iraq is China's third largest trading partner among Arab countries.
Rashid said that Iraq supports the joint construction of the "the Belt and Road" initiative and hopes to deepen cooperation with enterprises from various countries, including Chinese enterprises, and further enhance cooperation in infrastructure, service industry, medical care, education and other fields.
Regarding the fight against terrorism, Rashid pointed out that after the United States launched the Iraq War in 2003, terrorist attacks occurred frequently, and the Iraqi people have been deeply affected by terrorism for a long time. After years of counter-terrorism efforts, the security situation in Iraq has improved. He said that without a secure and stable environment, a country cannot develop normally. Terrorism is a common enemy of the international community, and countries around the world must remain vigilant, strengthen cooperation, and eradicate the cancer of terrorism.
Rashid congratulated China on achieving a comprehensive victory in the battle against poverty. He said that eradicating poverty, achieving social fairness and justice, and achieving common prosperity for all people are the responsibilities of governments of all countries.
All ethnic groups in the world should strengthen unity and cooperation, respect the diversity of world civilizations, attach importance to the inheritance of civilizations, deepen cultural exchanges, and protect cultural heritage. This is a necessary move for the benefit of all humanity.
Rashid agrees with China's concept of green development. He said that the world is facing severe ecological and environmental challenges, and some developed countries are excessively consuming energy in their development, lacking awareness of conservation and environmental protection, and polluting the environment. He called on countries around the world to promote pragmatic cooperation and make due contributions to protecting the ecological environment and the well-being of future generations.
Rashid expressed appreciation for China's successful efforts to restore diplomatic relations and achieve historic reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which highlights China's crucial role as a global power in promoting harmonious coexistence among countries, maintaining regional and world peace and stability. "If governments and people of all countries do not pursue their own interests and cooperate sincerely, many of the challenges facing the world can be easily solved. We hope that governments of all countries can strengthen cooperation and coordination to jointly defend world peace and human social fairness and justice."
