Briefly

BEIJING

Premier congratulates Portugal PM on victory

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday congratulated Antonio Costa on his reelection as the Portuguese prime minister. In a congratulatory message, Li said thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, China-Portugal practical cooperation in various fields has scored new achievements over the past few years, writing a new chapter in their traditional friendship. At present, the COVID-19 pandemic is proving a protracted and resurging one, with global challenges compounding one another, he said. As trusted partners and responsible members of the international community, China and Portugal should consolidate mutual trust, expand cooperation, promote the development of China-Portugal relations and the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to contribute to the common well-being of the two nations and the rest of the world, Li said.

IRAQ

Presidential vote again hits snag

The Iraqi parliament on Wednesday failed for the third time to elect a new president after it could not reach a quorum amid political disputes. A new date has not been given. Earlier, the parliament set March 30 as the date for a new parliamentary session to elect the president, with some 40 candidates competing for the post.

Xinhua