State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met in Beijing Friday with Bahr Ul-Uloum, president of the Iraqi Governing Council (IGC).

Tang said both China and Iraq are nations with a long history of civilization. The friendly relations had strengthened as time went by. He said that China hoped to consolidate and develop Sino-Iraqi relations on the basis of political equality, friendship, mutual economic benefits, and common development. China is willing to actively take part in the reconstruction of Iraq.

Uloum said he admired China's long history and economic achievement. Iraq valued the friendly relations with China and is willing to further develop ties with China.

Tang explained China's position on solving the Iraqi issue and believed, with the aid of international society, Iraqi would overcome temporary difficulties and construct a new nation with their wisdom and capability.

Uloum spoke of Iraq's reconstruction plan and appreciated China's humanitarian aid. He said Iraq hoped to learn from China's experience during the reconstruction period. He also welcomed Chinese enterprises to actively participate in the reconstruction.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2004)