China to safeguard common interests of developing countries with Iraq

China is ready to continue standing with Iraq and jointly uphold the basic principles of international relations, such as non-interference in each other's internal affairs to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, who is in Beijing to attend the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

Iraq is one of the first Arab states to establish diplomatic relations with China, Wang said, adding that China supports Iraq in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, unity and territorial integrity.

Wang said China supports the Iraqi government in developing the country's economy, improving people's livelihood and combating terrorism, and opposes foreign interference in Iraq's internal affairs.

Noting that China is Iraq's largest trading partner and the largest crude oil importing country, he called on both sides to promote mutually beneficial cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, energy and transportation.

Wang expressed his hope that Iraq will continue to provide strong security guarantees for Chinese institutions and personnel in Iraq.

China is willing to work with Iraq to take the ministerial meeting as an opportunity to push for new progress in China-Iraq and China-Arab relations, said Wang.

Hussein, for his part, said Iraq appreciates China's support and help and firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests.

Iraq's Development Road Project supplements the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, he said, pledging to promote cooperation in economy, trade, energy and other fields to bring the two countries' strategic partnership to a new level.