Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) joins his visiting Syrian counterpart Walid al-Moallem for a media briefing in Beijing on Thursday.

By Wang Hui

December 31, 2015

"Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem both paid a visit to Beijing, albeit separately, last week, highlighting China's increasing role in the Middle East.

During Abadi's visit, China and Iraq issued a joint statement agreeing to establish a strategic partnership and deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields. At his meeting with Abadi on Dec 22, President Xi Jinping said China firmly supports Iraq's measures to safeguard its national security and stability, and will strengthen cooperation in this field."

Read more:
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2015-12/31/content_22877702.htm

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