Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said on Sunday that his country was willing to further develop an all-round cooperative and friendly relationship with China.

 

Talabani, who is also leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, made the remarks when meeting at his home with a delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) led by Ma Wenpu, deputy head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

 

The two leaders exchanged views on ties between the two parties and countries as well as regional situation.

 

During the meeting at his home in the northern city of Sulaymaniyah, Talabani said the Iraqi government and people attached great importance to the traditional friendship with China, willing to further develop all-round cooperative and friendly ties with China.

 

Expressing sincere thanks to the Chinese government for its great help in Iraq's reconstruction, the president hoped China could play a bigger role in this field, saying the situation in Iraq is improving.

 

Meanwhile, the president said the Iraqi government stuck to the one-China policy. He also asked the delegation to convey his best regards to President Hu Jintao.

 

The Chinese CPC delegation arrived in Sulaymaniyah on Saturday.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 13, 2006)