BEIJING - Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki will make his first visit to China from July 17 to 21 as a guest of his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman on Tuesday.

President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen will each hold a meeting and talks with Maliki, respectively, said spokesman Hong Lei at a press briefing.

Leaders of the two countries will discuss several topics including further consolidating the China-Iraq friendship and expanding substantial cooperation in all areas, and exchange views on international and regional issues of common concern, the spokesman said.

China and Iraq share a traditional friendship, Hong said, noting the two countries have witnessed smooth development of bilateral relations, steadily growing economic cooperation and increasing cultural exchanges.

He said the Chinese government attaches high importance to its friendship with Iraq and supports its reconstruction.

"China is ready to work with the international community and to continue to provide assistance for the Iraqi people to improve their livelihoods," Hong said.