Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid speaks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Baghdad, Iraq, on Aug. 22, 2023. On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the China-Iraq diplomatic ties, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid praised China's effective contribution to rebuilding war-torn Iraq.(Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
BAGHDAD, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of China-Iraq diplomatic ties, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid praised China's effective contribution to rebuilding war-torn Iraq.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua in the presidential "Baghdad Palace", Rashid congratulated the peoples and governments of the two countries, stressing bilateral relations "have developed" and "are now developing well."
Rashid recalled the decades of suffering and problems that Iraq experienced due to wars, sanctions, and terrorism, expressing thanks to Chinese companies for rebuilding Iraq's infrastructure.
In 2015, the Iraqi and Chinese governments announced the establishment of a strategic partnership and they agreed to cooperate on joint construction of the "Belt and Road," which injected new impetus into bilateral relations.
With the support of the two governments, many projects with economic and social benefits have been agreed upon or implemented smoothly in recent years, and the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has become increasingly close.
According to data from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China is Iraq's largest trading partner and Iraq is China's third-largest trading partner among Arab countries.
Rashid applauded the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying it respects the diversity of civilizations and advocates the common values of humanity.
However, he believes that global civilization is threatened by terrorism, and there is no way to eliminate it except through the joint action of the international community.
After the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Iraqi streets were marred by attacks for many years, and after fierce battles against terrorism, the security situation has improved. But Rashid warned that the improvement in the security situation "does not mean that we should relax or not maintain our current situation."
Terrorism "is a pest and cancer within societies," and it is a duty of all countries to combat terrorism, he added.
On the climate change crisis that threatens Iraq and the world as a whole, Rashid said, "We need to implement projects to improve the environment in all areas of water, soil, and air."
In cases such as the indiscriminate increase in energy consumption in all fields, and the lack of respect for health infrastructure and pollution, it is important for the international community to (take action)," Rashid said.
Asked about China's victory in eradicating extreme poverty, Rashid lauded China's achievement, voicing support for every action and every step in the fight against poverty.
"It is the duty of world governments to fight poverty so that to be a common culture, and (then) social justice can exist all over the world," Rashid added.
On the reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia and the restoration of their diplomatic ties, Rashid said that he commends any role in bringing together points of view between countries.
"I appreciate China's efforts, as well as the efforts we made in Iraq to bridge the views between the Islamic Republic (Iran) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I think this is a very necessary role," he said.
Rashid perceived coordination and cooperation, as well as the role of the superpowers, as very necessary to bridge views between countries.
"This is a human duty, not just a political one," he said. ■
