China vows active role in Iraqi post-war reconstruction

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (1st R) meets with his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari (1st L) on the sidelines of the ongoing Ancient Civilization Forum in Athens, Greece, April 24, 2017. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

ATHENS, April 24  -- China pledged Monday to continue its active role in the economic reconstruction of war-torn Iraq.

The promise came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari on the sidelines of the ongoing Ancient Civilization Forum here.

Wang said Iraq has made important contributions to the world's anti-terrorism cause, pledging China's support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq.

He said China will continue its active participation in the economic reconstruction of Iraq and do everything it can to help the Middle East country.

Wang thanked Iraq for its support of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, saying China stands ready to implement the agreement it has reached with Iraq.

Al-Jaafari, for his part, said his country appreciates China's active role in the reconstruction of post-war Iraq so as to realize its stability and development at an early date.