Iraq's new president Abdul Latif Rashid in Baghdad, Iraq, October 13, 2022. /CFP
Editor's note: Hannan Hussain is a foreign affairs commentator and author. He is a Fulbright recipient at the University of Maryland and a former assistant researcher at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
On October 15, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a congratulatory message to Abdul Latif Rashid on his election as Iraq's new president, setting a positive tone for historic ties, now in its 64th year. There's a spotlight on "new progress" in the China-Iraq strategic partnership, an invitation to leverage past achievements and ensure that mutual engagement on core issues remains central to Baghdad and Beijing's bilateral successes.
Chinese investment in Iraq has witnessed remarkable consistency over the years, making it clear that no matter the change in regional environment, a strong and stable Iraq remains a key priority for China. Iraq has emerged as one of China's leading trade partners in the Middle East, and the latter accounted for 44 percent of Iraqi oil exports last year. The diversification of cooperation into newer fields can accelerate Iraq's own future development path, given a rich history of steady cooperation with China.
One of the hallmarks of sound Iraq-China cooperation has also deepened mutual political trust. As Xi pointed out, trust has been consolidated while practical cooperation has also been marked by stable progress across various fields. Rashid's rise to presidency comes at a time when Iraq is prioritizing development and livelihood opportunities for its people, creating good conditions to partner up with its historic friend and render that intent mutual on a bilateral level.
Recall the March exchange between Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Iraqi counterpart last year. There was welcome recognition of Iraq's national economy and Chinese support for people's livelihoods. Meanwhile, it reinforced Iraq's view to attach great importance on cultivating ties with Beijing. Fast forward, the drive to consolidate and strengthen long-standing friendship remains consistent across Iraqi administrations.
Unloading the first batch of doses of the Sinopharm vaccine against COVID-19 donated by China after it arrived at Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq, March 2, 2021. /CFP
Rashid's presidency carries high expectations for national cohesion as the country breaks a year-long election deadlock. The new president's pursuit for stability through a government formation should be seen as another opening up to elevate the China-Iraq strategic partnership and enrich benefits to both countries.
Specific spheres of development have seen smooth progress in recent times, including cooperation in communications, infrastructure and transportation. More significantly, these fields are closely aligned with the needs of Iraqi citizens who have witnessed the perils of conflict and can benefit through improved capacities for public service delivery.
On infrastructure, Iraq has formed a valuable part of China's Belt and Road Initiative in the Middle East, and has received about $10.5 billion in financing for win-win projects in 2021. The long-term engagements afford a higher degree of economic certainty to Iraq and its people, and testify to China's consistent support for its partner. Continued gains in their strategic partnership can strengthen a much-needed departure from patterns of foreign interference. These include violations of Iraqi sovereignty by external forces and its aggravating impact on Iraq's post-election economic crisis.
Xi attaches "great importance" to China-Iraq relations that reinforces a stable and prosperous Iraq. Growth in this relationship means stronger support for Iraqis in choosing their independent development path based on the prevailing and long-term national conditions. There's a tradition of friendship boosting bilateral relations in a fast-changing Middle East region. Both China and Iraq stand committed to growing multipolarity in their own regions.
These traits strengthen peace and development as the common-ground under Rashid's leadership. Chinese enterprises have been a fixture in Iraq's reconstruction while Baghdad demonstrates prudence by embracing major China-Iraq engagements in the economic, trade and oil space fields.
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