Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintaotold visiting Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz on the afternoon of January 7 that the early solution of the Iraq issue is beneficial not only to the Iraqi people but also to the lasting peace and stability of the Gulf region.

He made the remark during his meeting with Aziz at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu reiterated the principled stance adopted by China on the Iraq issue, and said all relevant parties should show a willingness to resolve the Iraq issue through political means. At the same time, Iraq should cooperate with the United Nations and implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq should be respected by the international community, he said, and noted that the Security Council should "fairly and objectively" appraise Iraq's implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions and, based on this, will gradually lessen and eventually lift all sanctions against Iraq.

On bilateral relations, Hu expressed appreciation that Iraq attaches importance to the development of Iraq-China ties, adding that China is willing to make concerted efforts with Iraq for further growth of the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Hu also stressed that along with efforts made by the relevant sides, China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, will continue its efforts to push forward the just and rational solution to the Iraq issue, tackle the remaining problems left by the Gulf crisis, and bring lasting peace and stability to the region.

Aziz extended congratulations for Macao's return to China and conveyed greetings from the Iraqi leaders to the Chinese leaders. He said that Iraqi leaders give great attention to the growth of its traditional and friendly relationship with China and are willing to strengthen friendly cooperation with China in all fields.

Aziz also briefed Hu on his government's stance on the Iraq issue, expressing appreciation for China's friendly, just, and active stand on resolving the issue. He said he hopes China will play an even larger role in the effort to lift sanctions against Iraq at early date.