Iraqi PM's visit to focus on trade ties

BEIJING - Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, leading a high-level ministerial delegation, arrived in Beijing on Sunday at the start of his first China visit, which is expected to strengthen economic ties.

During his tour, which ends on Thursday, Maliki will meet President Hu Jintao, hold talks with Premier Wen Jiabao, meet Chinese entrepreneurs and visit flagship high-tech firms.

The Aswat al-Iraq news agency quoted Ali al-Dabbagh, the Iraqi government spokesman, as saying the leaders of the two countries will discuss the development of bilateral relations, especially in the fields of energy, transportation, agriculture, commodities, services and investment.