China pledges to support Iraq's national security, economic reconstruction

NEW YORK - China will continue to support Iraq's national security and economic reconstruction, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

In a meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, Wang noted that China understands Iraq's legitimate claims on maintaining its national security and progressing economic reconstruction.

China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with Iraq to promote bilateral relations, and hopes that Iraq can ensure security for Chinese personnel in the country, Wang said.

Al-Jaafari thanked China's assistance for Iraq's security and reconstruction, highlighting that Iraq will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel.

On the fact that Turkey has sent its military forces into northern Iraq, Al-Jaafari described such deployment as violation of Iraq's sovereignty, and expressed the hope that China will support an urgent meeting at the UN Security Council to urge Turkey to withdraw its troops from Iraq immediately.

Wang noted that Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, adding that any anti-terrorism activities must be conducted within the framework of international law and in compliance with relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly with the content of host countries and contributing to regional peace and stability.