( Last Update: 2011/08/22)

The friendly relations and cooperation between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Iraq grew steadily in 2010

Political relations was on a sound footing. Following the election of the new leadership in Iraq, President Hu Jintao, NPC Chairman Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi sent messages of congratulations to President Jalal Talabani, Speaker of Council of Representatives Osama al-Nujaifi, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari respectively. In the wake of the mudslide in Zhouqu, Gansu Province and the earthquake in Yushu, Qinghai Province, President Talabani and Prime Minister al-Maliki sent messages to President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao respectively to express their sympathy

Bilateral cooperation in energy, trade and other areas developed smoothly. The Rumaila oil field project, jointly developed by CNPC and BP, and the Wasit Power Station project undertaken by the Shanghai Electric Group ran smoothly. In April, Vice Finance Minister Fadil Nabi visited China and officially signed an agreement with relevant Chinese enterprises on cancellation and reduction of debts owed by the Iraqi side

Exchanges in culture, media, education and other fields continued to develop. In October, Director General of the Asia and Australia Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammad Sabir Ismailcame to China for the Iraq National Day at the World Expo in Shanghai as representative of the Iraqi President. In 2010, China welcomed several visits of art troupes and media delegations sent by the Iraqi government. A total of 97 Iraqis received professional training provided by the Chinese government and 12 Iraqi students were granted Chinese government scholarships