Maliki in landmark visit to China

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (L) and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/189724.html

Iraq's prime minister has paid a landmark visit to the Chinese capital, where he and his Chinese counterpart signed two accords on the expansion of bilateral cooperation.

Nouri al-Maliki's Monday visit to Beijing was the first one by an Iraqi premier to China in over 50 years of diplomatic relations, Xinhua reported.

The official met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and the two put their signatures on a deal on economy and technology and an exchange of notes on personnel training.

The deals would allow more Chinese companies to invest in oil and gas fields in Iraq.

Wen likewise said, "The Chinese government will encourage companies to establish a long-term and stable relationship on oil and natural gas supply and demand with the Iraqi side and expand cooperation in oil exploration, refinery and equipment trade."

China's investment in the fields of electricity, transportation, housing and telecommunications will also expand.