Iraq and China Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fouad Hussein, received Jin Shin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, in Baghdad to discuss strengthening bilateral and strategic cooperation between Iraq and China.

Hussein welcomed the Chinese delegation on their first visit to Iraq, highlighting the historic ties between Mesopotamian and Chinese civilisations through civil, commercial, and cultural exchanges. Emphasising the importance of China as a pivotal partner for Iraq, noting that trade between the two countries totals approximately USD 54 billion, with Beijing representing the largest market for Iraqi oil.

The two sides explored ways to enhance cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative whilst also discussing prospects for collaboration in governance, development, and security initiatives that serve mutual interests. Hussein stressed Iraq’s role in leading the Group of 77, contributing to Arab–Chinese dialogue during Iraq’s Arab Summit presidency, and promoting civilisational and cultural exchanges through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Jin Shin expressed China’s commitment to advancing multilateral cooperation, highlighting the Fifteenth Five-Year Plan, which focuses on public welfare, sustainable development, global governance, and poverty reduction.

Both sides agreed on the need to activate high-level official visits to further strengthen strategic ties and develop their bilateral relations.

Source: Iraq Ministry of Foreign Affairs