China hopes for Iraq's early return to security, stability: FM

UNITED NATIONS - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Saturday that China hope security and order can be restored in Iraq as soon as possible.

Wang made the remarks during talks with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari on the sidelines of the ongoing high-level debate of the UN General Assembly, a week-long event which kicked off here Wednesday.

Wang said that Iraq has recently formed a new government, which represents an important step forward in Iraq's political process.

"We believe that the new government will pool the strength of all factions, restore security and social order as soon as possible, lead its people to realize national stability and development and work with the international community to crack down on terrorism," he said.

As a friend of Iraq, China will continue to provide Iraq with the aid it needs, including emergency humanitarian assistance, Wang said.

China appreciates the efforts made by the Iraqi side to protect Chinese personnel and institutions in the Middle East country, he said.

"We hope that the Iraqi side will continue to adopt concrete measures to ensure the security of Chinese personnel and institutions," he added.

For his part, Jaafari said that Iraq and China respect and trust each other, and bilateral relations are in good shape.

Iraq attaches great importance to the responsible role played by China in international affairs and thanks China for its support in the peaceful reconstruction, political transition and anti-terrorism campaign in Iraq, he said.

"Iraq will do what it can to protect the Chinese personnel and institutions there," Jaafari stressed.