Visiting Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that China is ready to strengthen its all-round cooperation with Iraq.

"China will continue to promote its traditional friendly ties with Iraq, deepen political mutual trust between the two countries and take advantage of each other's economic strengths," Wang said during his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

"China firmly supports Iraq's efforts to safeguard its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, accelerate its political rebuilding and national reconciliation and fight against terrorism," Wang said. During a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zebari, Wang said Iraq is China's reliable and important partner in the Middle East, adding that China is willing to promote high-level exchanges with Iraq, continue to firmly support Iraq's political transition and actively participate in Iraq's economic rebuilding.

Zebari reiterated Iraq's adherence to the one-China policy and its firm support for China on issues related to China's core interests and major concerns.

At a joint press conference after the meeting, Wang promised that China will strengthen its pragmatic cooperation with Iraq by helping with the country's reconstruction in the fields of energy, infrastructure and the people's well-being.

During his one-day visit, Wang also met with Iraqi Council of Representatives Speaker Osama al-Nujaifi.

Al-Nujaifi said Iraq has to strengthen its cooperation with China on tackling the challenges during reconstruction, adding that the cooperation will benefit both countries.

Wang arrived in Baghdad Sunday morning for an official visit at the invitation of his Iraqi counterpart Zebari. 

Xinhua