Al Abadi in China.

[Malik Alashter]

Any news surfaced of the Abadi's visit to Peking yet who ever heard something share please.

 

[JSCh]

China, Iraq establish strategic partnership
2015-12-22 23:28:14 | Editor: huaxia

Chinese PresidentXi Jinping(R) meets withIraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 22, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Tao)​

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- China and Iraq agreed Tuesday to establish a strategic partnership during the on-going visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to China.

The two countries issued a joint statement to the effect in Beijing, saying that the strategic partnership will help deepen bilateral cooperation in various field and promote development and prosperity in both countries.

According to the joint statement, the two sides agreed to strengthen high-level engagement, enhance strategic communication on the bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern to increase consensus and consolidate strategic mutual trust.

The two countries will continue to support each other firmly on issues concerning national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and security, it said.

The two countries vowed to take into consideration of each other's core interest and major concerns, and not to interfere in each other's domestic affairs, it said.

Iraq will abide by the one-China policy and support China's stance on issues related to Xinjiang. China will support Iraq's unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, said the joint statement.

The two sides condemned terrorism of all forms and pledged to support each other's efforts to maintain national security, stability and to fight against terrorism, it said.

The two sides expressed opposition to applying double standards on fighting against terrorism, and to linking terrorism with certain country, ethnic group or religion.

They also agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation on international and regional affairs, and voiced support for countries in West Asia and North Africa to explore a development path in accordance with their national situation and to solve regional hot issues through dialogue and negotiation to realize regional stability and development.

With regard to regional affairs, Iraq appreciated China's just position and important role, while China supported Iraq to play a positive role, the joint statement said.

"Iraq is a major country in the Middle East. The new government attaches high importance to relations with China and hopes to make a difference in national construction after taking office. A further development of bilateral ties and cooperation is not only useful for both countries, but also for the region's stability and development," said Wu Sike, formerly China's special envoy on Middle East affairs.

Abadi's official visit to China from Tuesday to Wednesday is his first since taking office in September 2014.

While meeting with Abadi Tuesday afternoon, President Xi Jinping said relations between the two countries have kept a momentum of steady development in recent years.

Establishing strategic partnership will lay a solid foundation for future development of bilateral ties, Xi said, adding the two sides should take it as an opportunity to advance their relationship to a higher level.

Xi voiced support for Iraq's efforts to maintain national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. He said China firmly supports Iraq's measures to safeguard national security and stability, and will advance cooperation in this field.

China was ready to strengthen the integration of two countries' development strategies within the framework of the Belt and Road initiative, and assist Iraq's reconstruction in energy, electricity, communication and infrastructure, Xi said.

China will encourage and support its companies to participate in the construction of large projects that will have a major impact on Iraq's development and the well-being of its people, and conduct related investment and financing cooperation, Xi said.

China will also help Iraq train professionals imperative for its economic and social development, and provide opportunities for Iraqi youths, scholars, journalists and think tank experts to visit China, the president added.

Abadi said he hoped to promote bilateral cooperation in such areas as economy, energy, electricity, communication, infrastructure and security, as well as exchanges between the two peoples through his visit.

He welcomed Chinese companies to increase investment in Iraq and pledged to provide necessary protection.

The two countries also vowed to further strengthen parliamentary exchanges in a meeting between Abadi and China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang on Tuesday afternoon.

"Legislative exchange and cooperation is an important part of the China-Iraq relationship," said Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC).

He noted that the NPC stands ready to work with the Iraqi National Assembly.

Hailing Iraq-China friendship, Abadi said the Iraqi side looks forward to closer exchanges between the two parliaments.

Abadi was invited by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who held talks with Abadi on Tuesday.
______________________________________________________________


China, Iraq sign memo to promote energy partnership
2015-12-22 23:58:20 | Editor: huaxia

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) holds talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 22, 2015. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) ​

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- China and Iraq pledged to establish a long-term, stable energy partnership with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on oil and gas on Tuesday.

China is willing to increase energy cooperation with Iraq, with projects such as oilfield exploitation and refinery construction in the Middle Eastern country, said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Beijing.

The two sides agreed that energy cooperation is an important part of Iraq-China pragmatic cooperation, according to a joint statement issued on Tuesday.

They agreed a long-term and comprehensive strategic partnership on energy cooperation, especially in the oil and gas sector, would be established, it said.

More investment will be channeled to the energy sector and governments and enterprises will be encouraged to cooperate in the areas of crude oil trade, oil-gas exploration and development, oilfield engineering service technology, construction of storage and transportation facilities, chemical refining engineering, and energy equipment, it said.

During their talks, the two prime ministers reached a consensus on using China-made equipment to support oil-gas exploitation in Iraq, said Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming after the cooperative agreement signing ceremony.

Li and Abadi also witnessed the signing of a MoU on the promotion of the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

The two sides agreed to improve pragmatic cooperation within the framework of the "Belt and Road" initiative to achieve mutual benefit and win-win, according to statement.

The Belt and Road initiative will be a trade and infrastructure network that connects Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

"Iraq is an important partner of China in the region," said Li.

China supports Iraq's economic reconstruction and will encourage competitive enterprises to participate in energy, electric power, telecommunication and infrastructure reconstruction projects in Iraq, said the statement.

In their talks, Li said China will help Iraq improve its production capacity in the areas of cement, steel, flat glass and engineering machinery.

The roots of poverty in the Middle East are a lack of infrastructure and the low-level of industrialization, said Hua Liming, a research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies.

The Belt and Road initiative will contribute to the peace and development of countries in the Middle East region, said Hua.

Li also hoped Iraq would take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese companies and citizens in Iraq.

Abadi thanked China for supporting Iraq's economic development and social stability.

Iraq is facing the pressing task of rebuilding its economy and improving people's livelihood, he said, noting that Iraq was willing to enhance long-term cooperation with China in areas of infrastructure building, oil, electric power and telecommunication.

Iraq expects to further expand friendly cooperation with China and hopes China will increase investment to Iraq in those areas, he said.

Abadi is paying an official visit to China from Tuesday to Wednesday at the invitation of Li Keqiang.

 

[Malik Alashter]

China, Iraq establish strategic partnership
2015-12-22 23:28:14 | Editor: huaxia

Chinese PresidentXi Jinping(R) meets withIraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 22, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Tao)​

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- China and Iraq agreed Tuesday to establish a strategic partnership during the on-going visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to China.

The two countries issued a joint statement to the effect in Beijing, saying that the strategic partnership will help deepen bilateral cooperation in various field and promote development and prosperity in both countries.

According to the joint statement, the two sides agreed to strengthen high-level engagement, enhance strategic communication on the bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern to increase consensus and consolidate strategic mutual trust.

The two countries will continue to support each other firmly on issues concerning national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and security, it said.

The two countries vowed to take into consideration of each other's core interest and major concerns, and not to interfere in each other's domestic affairs, it said.

Iraq will abide by the one-China policy and support China's stance on issues related to Xinjiang. China will support Iraq's unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, said the joint statement.

The two sides condemned terrorism of all forms and pledged to support each other's efforts to maintain national security, stability and to fight against terrorism, it said.

The two sides expressed opposition to applying double standards on fighting against terrorism, and to linking terrorism with certain country, ethnic group or religion.

They also agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation on international and regional affairs, and voiced support for countries in West Asia and North Africa to explore a development path in accordance with their national situation and to solve regional hot issues through dialogue and negotiation to realize regional stability and development.

With regard to regional affairs, Iraq appreciated China's just position and important role, while China supported Iraq to play a positive role, the joint statement said.

"Iraq is a major country in the Middle East. The new government attaches high importance to relations with China and hopes to make a difference in national construction after taking office. A further development of bilateral ties and cooperation is not only useful for both countries, but also for the region's stability and development," said Wu Sike, formerly China's special envoy on Middle East affairs.

Abadi's official visit to China from Tuesday to Wednesday is his first since taking office in September 2014.

While meeting with Abadi Tuesday afternoon, President Xi Jinping said relations between the two countries have kept a momentum of steady development in recent years.

Establishing strategic partnership will lay a solid foundation for future development of bilateral ties, Xi said, adding the two sides should take it as an opportunity to advance their relationship to a higher level.

Xi voiced support for Iraq's efforts to maintain national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. He said China firmly supports Iraq's measures to safeguard national security and stability, and will advance cooperation in this field.

China was ready to strengthen the integration of two countries' development strategies within the framework of the Belt and Road initiative, and assist Iraq's reconstruction in energy, electricity, communication and infrastructure, Xi said.

China will encourage and support its companies to participate in the construction of large projects that will have a major impact on Iraq's development and the well-being of its people, and conduct related investment and financing cooperation, Xi said.

China will also help Iraq train professionals imperative for its economic and social development, and provide opportunities for Iraqi youths, scholars, journalists and think tank experts to visit China, the president added.

Abadi said he hoped to promote bilateral cooperation in such areas as economy, energy, electricity, communication, infrastructure and security, as well as exchanges between the two peoples through his visit.

He welcomed Chinese companies to increase investment in Iraq and pledged to provide necessary protection.

The two countries also vowed to further strengthen parliamentary exchanges in a meeting between Abadi and China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang on Tuesday afternoon.

"Legislative exchange and cooperation is an important part of the China-Iraq relationship," said Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC).

He noted that the NPC stands ready to work with the Iraqi National Assembly.

Hailing Iraq-China friendship, Abadi said the Iraqi side looks forward to closer exchanges between the two parliaments.

Abadi was invited by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who held talks with Abadi on Tuesday.
______________________________________________________________


China, Iraq sign memo to promote energy partnership
2015-12-22 23:58:20 | Editor: huaxia

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) holds talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 22, 2015. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) ​

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- China and Iraq pledged to establish a long-term, stable energy partnership with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on oil and gas on Tuesday.

China is willing to increase energy cooperation with Iraq, with projects such as oilfield exploitation and refinery construction in the Middle Eastern country, said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Beijing.

The two sides agreed that energy cooperation is an important part of Iraq-China pragmatic cooperation, according to a joint statement issued on Tuesday.

They agreed a long-term and comprehensive strategic partnership on energy cooperation, especially in the oil and gas sector, would be established, it said.

More investment will be channeled to the energy sector and governments and enterprises will be encouraged to cooperate in the areas of crude oil trade, oil-gas exploration and development, oilfield engineering service technology, construction of storage and transportation facilities, chemical refining engineering, and energy equipment, it said.

During their talks, the two prime ministers reached a consensus on using China-made equipment to support oil-gas exploitation in Iraq, said Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming after the cooperative agreement signing ceremony.

Li and Abadi also witnessed the signing of a MoU on the promotion of the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

The two sides agreed to improve pragmatic cooperation within the framework of the "Belt and Road" initiative to achieve mutual benefit and win-win, according to statement.

The Belt and Road initiative will be a trade and infrastructure network that connects Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

"Iraq is an important partner of China in the region," said Li.

China supports Iraq's economic reconstruction and will encourage competitive enterprises to participate in energy, electric power, telecommunication and infrastructure reconstruction projects in Iraq, said the statement.

In their talks, Li said China will help Iraq improve its production capacity in the areas of cement, steel, flat glass and engineering machinery.

The roots of poverty in the Middle East are a lack of infrastructure and the low-level of industrialization, said Hua Liming, a research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies.

The Belt and Road initiative will contribute to the peace and development of countries in the Middle East region, said Hua.

Li also hoped Iraq would take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese companies and citizens in Iraq.

Abadi thanked China for supporting Iraq's economic development and social stability.

Iraq is facing the pressing task of rebuilding its economy and improving people's livelihood, he said, noting that Iraq was willing to enhance long-term cooperation with China in areas of infrastructure building, oil, electric power and telecommunication.

Iraq expects to further expand friendly cooperation with China and hopes China will increase investment to Iraq in those areas, he said.

Abadi is paying an official visit to China from Tuesday to Wednesday at the invitation of Li Keqiang.

Excellent news I'm looking forward to see the both cradle of civilization to cooperate in peace and prosperity enhancement in both countries from Iraq side we can quench China's thirst for oil while China can help us rebuild our country.

We will witness new era of Iraqi-Chinese relationship.

 

[JSCh]

Iraq, China Sign Agreements on Defense, Silk Road Cooperation
01:20 23.12.2015

Iraq and China signed five agreements and memorandums, including on cooperation in the military sphere, as well as on the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt, the Iraqi prime minister's press service said in statement obtained by Sputnik Tuesday.

BAGHDAD (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, Iraq's Prime Minister Haider Abadi arrived to China, where he had meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang.

The first bilateral memorandum signed by Abadi during his visit is connected with Iraq's participation in Beijing's One Belt, One Road initiative, aiming to redirect China's domestic economic potential and investments for development of international infrastructure projects in Eurasia and Africa.

The initiative consists of two components, the land-based Silk Road Economic Belt from Asia via the Middle East to Europe and Maritime Silk Road connecting China’s port facilities with the east African coast, leading to Europe via the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

The second memorandum signed by Iraq and China covers economic cooperation and technologies exchange, the press statement said.

The third and fourth signed agreements are devoted to energy and military cooperation respectively.

The fifth agreement is set to abolish a visa regime between Iraq and China for travelers with diplomatic passports.

Iraq, China Sign Agreements on Defense, Silk Road Cooperation

 

[Malik Alashter]

Iraq, China Sign Agreements on Defense, Silk Road Cooperation
01:20 23.12.2015

Iraq and China signed five agreements and memorandums, including on cooperation in the military sphere, as well as on the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt, the Iraqi prime minister's press service said in statement obtained by Sputnik Tuesday.

BAGHDAD (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, Iraq's Prime Minister Haider Abadi arrived to China, where he had meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang.

The first bilateral memorandum signed by Abadi during his visit is connected with Iraq's participation in Beijing's One Belt, One Road initiative, aiming to redirect China's domestic economic potential and investments for development of international infrastructure projects in Eurasia and Africa.

The initiative consists of two components, the land-based Silk Road Economic Belt from Asia via the Middle East to Europe and Maritime Silk Road connecting China’s port facilities with the east African coast, leading to Europe via the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

The second memorandum signed by Iraq and China covers economic cooperation and technologies exchange, the press statement said.

The third and fourth signed agreements are devoted to energy and military cooperation respectively.

The fifth agreement is set to abolish a visa regime between Iraq and China for travelers with diplomatic passports.

Iraq, China Sign Agreements on Defense, Silk Road Cooperation

Great news indeed.

 

[Daniel808]

Excellent news I'm looking forward to see the both cradle of civilization to cooperate in peace and prosperity enhancement in both countries from Iraq side we can quench China's thirst for oil while China can help us rebuild our country.

We will witness new era of Iraqi-Chinese relationship.

Great to see new era of Iraqi-Chinese relationship, especially in Defence Cooperation.

I heard Iraqi Air Force use China made Drone, CH-4B to fight against ISIS.

Nice to see Chinese and Iraqi people work together to fight ISIS.

 

[Malik Alashter]

Great to see new era of Iraqi-Chinese relationship, especially in Defence Cooperation.

I heard Iraqi Air Force use China made Drone, CH-4B to fight against ISIS.

Nice to see Chinese and Iraqi people work together to fight ISIS.

I;m waiting for the big news because there is big procurement for big stuff something like j-10 hq-9 type 99 etc.

 

[LowPost]

Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi lays wreath at Monument to the People's Heroes in Beijing Tian'anmen Square.
---
Iraq looks to Chinese companies for rail expansion

Iraq is eyeing "a huge expansion" of its railway network and Baghdad is contacting leading Chinese companies to carry out the task, visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told China Daily on Wednesday.

In an interview on the second day of his first visit to China since taking office in September last year, al-Abadi also voiced confidence over increasing crude oil exports to China, as Iraq is "hoping to double oil exports in the coming years".

He stressed the key role of railways in Iraq and plans to expand the network to about 5,000 kilometers from the current 2,000 km.

Iraq, after the upheaval of recent years, is in dire need of infrastructure as it beefs up economic growth.

Al-Abadi confirmed that Chinese companies "are very interested" in expanding the railway network. Earlier on Wednesday, he attended a meeting of business leaders representing up to 60 Chinese companies involved in sectors including telecommunications, infrastructure and insurance.

"They bring me their technology. ... I think they can expand the network in Iraq," he said, adding that the expanded network "can act both for the people and for goods".

Iraq was an important hub on the ancient trans-Eurasia Silk Road, and Baghdad has welcomed China's Belt and Road Initiative.

"Iraq can act as a bridge between Asia and Europe," al-Abadi said, and "we have the network for the Silk Road" once the railway expansion is completed.

The prime minister, who was on a two-day visit, met with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday.

A joint statement released on Tuesday said the two governments agreed to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership, and China－a major importer of Iraqi oil－stated its vision to help Iraq expand production.

China imported more than 28 million metric tons of crude oil from Iraq last year.

As Iraq aims to double exports in coming years, al-Abadi said China is keen to see its share of Iraqi oil increase.

"It will work for us because we want to sell our oil, after all. And it will work for us because China can provide guarantees ... for infrastructure, other areas and investment," he added.

Trade between China and Iraq increased 50-fold between 2003 and last year, according to the prime minister, and he is keen for more Chinese firms to invest in Iraq.

"We want to expand it much more than this. We own the oil－we want other sectors, especially investment," he said.

As the Iraqi government budget relies 93 per cent on oil exports, he said the country wants to diversify its economy by bringing in investment, and therefore the government "wants to simplify the bureaucracy and the red tape in dealing with the investors".

He also tried to reassure potential investors that there is no direct terrorist threat against Chinese agencies or their staff members stationed in Iraq, stressing that the Chinese stationed in Iraq "have been safe".

"I think there is not really a danger or threat. ... Especially as I think the Chinese are very much welcomed," he said.

Iraq looks to Chinese companies for rail expansion, AsiaOne Asia News
---
China, Iraq ink economic, military agreements during Abadi visit

China and Iraq pledged to establish a long-term, stable energy partnership with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on oil and gas on Tuesday.

China is willing to increase energy cooperation with Iraq, including oilfield projects and refinery construction in the Middle Eastern country, said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Beijing.

Abadi has asked for increased Chinese investment in “infrastructure building, oil, electric power and telecommunication”.

They agreed a long-term and comprehensive strategic partnership on energy cooperation, especially in the oil and gas sector, would be established, a joint statement said on Tuesday.

“More investment will be channelled to the energy sector and governments and enterprises will be encouraged to cooperate in the areas of crude oil trade, oil-gas exploration and development, oilfield engineering service technology, construction of storage and transportation facilities, chemical refining engineering, and energy equipment,” it said.

China and Iraq inked five new agreements in the “economic, technological, military, diplomatic and energy fields” said a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office.

The two prime ministers also reached a consensus on using China-made equipment to support oil-gas exploitation in Iraq, said China’s Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming after the agreements signing ceremony.

Li and Abadi also witnessed the signing of an agreement on the promotion of China’s ambitious projects: the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

The Silk Road connected China and Europe from around 100 B.C. The 4,000-mile road linked ancient Chinese, Indian, Babylonian, Arabic, Greek and Roman civilizations.

Iraq is now officially on board joining China’s “One Belt, One Road” project. The Silk Road could be the second China-led project in recent months to attract a flurry of EU participation.

In March this year, China’s President Xi Jinping said he hoped its annual trade with the countries involved in Beijing’s plan to create a modern Silk Road would surpass $2.5 trillion in a decade.

Under the so-called “One Belt, One Road” initiative, China aims to create a modern Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road to boost trade and extend its global influence.

“Iraq is an important partner of China in the region,” Li told Abadi on Tuesday.

China supports “Iraq’s economic reconstruction and will encourage competitive enterprises to participate in energy, electric power, telecommunication and infrastructure reconstruction projects in Iraq,” said the joint statement.

Li also vowed that China will aid Iraq improve its production capacity in the areas of cement, steel, flat glass and engineering machinery.

Li also urged Iraq would take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese companies and citizens in Iraq.

“The fight against terrorism and efforts to confront Daesh (ISIS/ISIL)” figured heavily in talks between the Chinese President Xi Jinping and the visiting Iraqi Prime Minister.

Abadi’s official visit to China from Tuesday to Wednesday is his first since taking office in September 2014.

“The visit came at the right time and will help the strategic cooperation and aid our aim to establish strategic relations with Iraq,” Xi told Abadi according to the Iraqi PMO.

“Our position is clear in respect of Iraqi sovereignty and taking the consent of the Iraqi government in the fight against terrorism,” said the Chinese President.

Turkey on Sunday announced it would “continue” to pull its troops out of northern Iraq after US president Barack Obama urged president Recep Tayyip Erdogan to do so in order to de-escalate tensions with Baghdad.

The Baghdad government had earlier this month strongly criticized Turkey and the US for their commitment to send troops to battle the Islamic State and other terrorist groups in northern Iraq.

“China is keen to expand its military and defense cooperation, training and building of the Iraqi military capabilities and the exchange of information and military industries, and we are ready to respond to support Iraq in these areas, as well as economic cooperation,” Xi told Abadi.

Abadi and Xi agreed to activate the “Committee on the Iraqi-Chinese relations” and resume meetings in this format from March 2016.

China, Iraq ink economic, military agreements during Abadi visit | The BRICS Post

@Malik Alashter

 

[Malik Alashter]

View attachment 281883

Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi lays wreath at Monument to the People's Heroes in Beijing Tian'anmen Square.
---
Iraq looks to Chinese companies for rail expansion

Iraq is eyeing "a huge expansion" of its railway network and Baghdad is contacting leading Chinese companies to carry out the task, visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told China Daily on Wednesday.

In an interview on the second day of his first visit to China since taking office in September last year, al-Abadi also voiced confidence over increasing crude oil exports to China, as Iraq is "hoping to double oil exports in the coming years".

He stressed the key role of railways in Iraq and plans to expand the network to about 5,000 kilometers from the current 2,000 km.

Iraq, after the upheaval of recent years, is in dire need of infrastructure as it beefs up economic growth.

Al-Abadi confirmed that Chinese companies "are very interested" in expanding the railway network. Earlier on Wednesday, he attended a meeting of business leaders representing up to 60 Chinese companies involved in sectors including telecommunications, infrastructure and insurance.

"They bring me their technology. ... I think they can expand the network in Iraq," he said, adding that the expanded network "can act both for the people and for goods".

Iraq was an important hub on the ancient trans-Eurasia Silk Road, and Baghdad has welcomed China's Belt and Road Initiative.

"Iraq can act as a bridge between Asia and Europe," al-Abadi said, and "we have the network for the Silk Road" once the railway expansion is completed.

The prime minister, who was on a two-day visit, met with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday.

A joint statement released on Tuesday said the two governments agreed to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership, and China－a major importer of Iraqi oil－stated its vision to help Iraq expand production.

China imported more than 28 million metric tons of crude oil from Iraq last year.

As Iraq aims to double exports in coming years, al-Abadi said China is keen to see its share of Iraqi oil increase.

"It will work for us because we want to sell our oil, after all. And it will work for us because China can provide guarantees ... for infrastructure, other areas and investment," he added.

Trade between China and Iraq increased 50-fold between 2003 and last year, according to the prime minister, and he is keen for more Chinese firms to invest in Iraq.

"We want to expand it much more than this. We own the oil－we want other sectors, especially investment," he said.

As the Iraqi government budget relies 93 per cent on oil exports, he said the country wants to diversify its economy by bringing in investment, and therefore the government "wants to simplify the bureaucracy and the red tape in dealing with the investors".

He also tried to reassure potential investors that there is no direct terrorist threat against Chinese agencies or their staff members stationed in Iraq, stressing that the Chinese stationed in Iraq "have been safe".

"I think there is not really a danger or threat. ... Especially as I think the Chinese are very much welcomed," he said.

Iraq looks to Chinese companies for rail expansion, AsiaOne Asia News
---
China, Iraq ink economic, military agreements during Abadi visit

China and Iraq pledged to establish a long-term, stable energy partnership with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on oil and gas on Tuesday.

China is willing to increase energy cooperation with Iraq, including oilfield projects and refinery construction in the Middle Eastern country, said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Beijing.

Abadi has asked for increased Chinese investment in “infrastructure building, oil, electric power and telecommunication”.

They agreed a long-term and comprehensive strategic partnership on energy cooperation, especially in the oil and gas sector, would be established, a joint statement said on Tuesday.

“More investment will be channelled to the energy sector and governments and enterprises will be encouraged to cooperate in the areas of crude oil trade, oil-gas exploration and development, oilfield engineering service technology, construction of storage and transportation facilities, chemical refining engineering, and energy equipment,” it said.

China and Iraq inked five new agreements in the “economic, technological, military, diplomatic and energy fields” said a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office.

The two prime ministers also reached a consensus on using China-made equipment to support oil-gas exploitation in Iraq, said China’s Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming after the agreements signing ceremony.

Li and Abadi also witnessed the signing of an agreement on the promotion of China’s ambitious projects: the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

The Silk Road connected China and Europe from around 100 B.C. The 4,000-mile road linked ancient Chinese, Indian, Babylonian, Arabic, Greek and Roman civilizations.

Iraq is now officially on board joining China’s “One Belt, One Road” project. The Silk Road could be the second China-led project in recent months to attract a flurry of EU participation.

In March this year, China’s President Xi Jinping said he hoped its annual trade with the countries involved in Beijing’s plan to create a modern Silk Road would surpass $2.5 trillion in a decade.

Under the so-called “One Belt, One Road” initiative, China aims to create a modern Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road to boost trade and extend its global influence.

“Iraq is an important partner of China in the region,” Li told Abadi on Tuesday.

China supports “Iraq’s economic reconstruction and will encourage competitive enterprises to participate in energy, electric power, telecommunication and infrastructure reconstruction projects in Iraq,” said the joint statement.

Li also vowed that China will aid Iraq improve its production capacity in the areas of cement, steel, flat glass and engineering machinery.

Li also urged Iraq would take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese companies and citizens in Iraq.

“The fight against terrorism and efforts to confront Daesh (ISIS/ISIL)” figured heavily in talks between the Chinese President Xi Jinping and the visiting Iraqi Prime Minister.

Abadi’s official visit to China from Tuesday to Wednesday is his first since taking office in September 2014.

“The visit came at the right time and will help the strategic cooperation and aid our aim to establish strategic relations with Iraq,” Xi told Abadi according to the Iraqi PMO.

“Our position is clear in respect of Iraqi sovereignty and taking the consent of the Iraqi government in the fight against terrorism,” said the Chinese President.

Turkey on Sunday announced it would “continue” to pull its troops out of northern Iraq after US president Barack Obama urged president Recep Tayyip Erdogan to do so in order to de-escalate tensions with Baghdad.

The Baghdad government had earlier this month strongly criticized Turkey and the US for their commitment to send troops to battle the Islamic State and other terrorist groups in northern Iraq.

“China is keen to expand its military and defense cooperation, training and building of the Iraqi military capabilities and the exchange of information and military industries, and we are ready to respond to support Iraq in these areas, as well as economic cooperation,” Xi told Abadi.

Abadi and Xi agreed to activate the “Committee on the Iraqi-Chinese relations” and resume meetings in this format from March 2016.

China, Iraq ink economic, military agreements during Abadi visit | The BRICS Post

@Malik Alashter

Thank you very much as I said it's a new era of the two countries relationship. Right now I watch a TV interview with some Iraqi professors they are very optimistic about Abadis visit to china.

So far the trade amount between the two countries hit 30 billion these days where Iraq is turmoil.

I'm sooo happy.

I'm not sure but I think China will invest at least 20 billions in Iraq within the next 5 years I'm saying at least.

 

[cnleio]

I;m waiting for the big news because there is big procurement for big stuff something like j-10 hq-9 type 99 etc.

Generally speaking China can provide everything for battle to against ISIS in Iraq ... that depend on what Iraq government require for ? China also can train Iraq troopers like what China ever trained Vietnamese / Korean soldiers in Vietnam War/ Korea War, and today PLA military academy still did that for foreign officers from some Africa/South America Army. In China military academy, PLA teaching tactics & skills to foreign students(officers) from foreign Army.
China is one of the few powers has the capacity to rebuild a Army for the nation including their junior military officers training for the combat troop.

 

[Malik Alashter]

Generally speaking China can provide everything for battle to against ISIS in Iraq ... that depend on what Iraq government require for ? China also can train Iraq troopers like what China ever trained Vietnamese / Korean soldiers in Vietnam War/ Korea War, and today PLA military academy still did that for foreign officers from some Africa/South America Army. In China military academy, PLA teaching tactics & skills to foreign students(officers) from foreign Army.
China is one of the few powers has the capacity to rebuild a Army for the nation including their junior military officers training for the combat troop.
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Many if most of the Iraqis are optimistic about abadi's movement toward China they talk about it on tv.