President Hu Jintao Thursday said China is willing to take an active part in Iraq's reconstruction.

When meeting Bahr Ul-Uloum, visiting president of the Iraqi Governing Council (IGC), Hu said China will work with the international community to help Iraqi people embark on a road of peace, stability and development.

China will consolidate and develop bilateral cooperation with Iraq on the basis of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity, said Hu.

China pledged US$25 million of humanitarian assistance to Iraq in October last year, in addition to the promise that Chinese enterprises will play an active role in the reconstruction of Iraq.

Hu's remarks were well-received by his Iraqi guests.

Ul-Uloum, looking forward to China's participation in Iraq's reconstruction, expressed the hope that his visit will further promote bilateral cooperation, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman.

He proposed cooperation in such fields as infrastructure, medical care and public health and human resources.

China has, on various occasions, stressed the importance of letting the United Nations (UN) play its due role in Iraq's reconstruction. The stance has won positive response from the Iraqi people, according to Ul-Uloum.

During Ul-Uloum's three-day visit, which began yesterday, the Iraqi leader will also hold talks with State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and visit the Zhongguancun High-tech Park in Beijing.

(China Daily March 26, 2004)