The Iraqi foreign minister is in China to
strengthen bilateral relations. China is also hosting Venezuelan President
Hugo Chavez, who is expected to sign an energy deal with Chinese leaders.
During his four-day visit, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari will
meet Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said Thursday the two countries
will discuss bilateral relations over the next few days. Mr. Liu said the
countries enjoy strong ties and will study Iraq's post-war reconstruction.
The ministry spokesman also said trade between China and Iraq has
reached $400 million this year.
China criticized the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, but it has moved
quickly to restore ties with the U.S.-installed interim Iraqi government.
Beijing reopened its Baghdad embassy in July and last month offered
more than $1 million to support Iraq's January 30th presidential
elections.
Earlier this month China welcomed the head of Iraq's oil ministry to
Beijing. Chinese officials said then that Beijing hopes to strengthen
energy cooperation with Iraq.
China faces a significant energy shortfall and improving access to
world oil supplies is a key foreign policy objective for Beijing. China is
using its economic power and diplomatic capital to strengthen ties with
oil-exporting nations.
The Iraqi minister's visit to China coincides with Venezuelan President
Hugo Chavez's arrival in Beijing.
Venezuela is the world's fifth largest oil exporter and a member of
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Mr. Chavez is expected to sign an energy deal with Chinese President Hu
Jintao.
Under the agreement, Venezuela would build a fuel processing plant in
China. In exchange, Beijing would provide agricultural assistance and help
start a new state-run telecommunications company in Venezuela.
The two countries are also discussing a possible joint venture to
develop an untapped Venezuelan
oil field. |