Friday, June 22, 2007
Talabani first Iraqi president to visit China since 1958
International
(Xinhua) - Jalal Talabani left for Beijing on June 20 on a weeklong state visit to China, the first by an Iraqi president since 1958, Xinhua reported the same day. "It's my honor to be the first Iraqi president to visit China since the establishment of the diplomatic ties between Iraq and China 49 years ago," Talabani said. "I am looking forward to the visit and hope it will open a new phase of the bilateral relations."
Al-Sharqiyah television reported the same day that Talibani hopes his visit will persuade China to write off Iraq's debt, which is estimated at approximately $8 billion. Talabani is being accompanied by several Iraqi officials including Finance Minister Baqir Jabr Sulagh, Interior Minister Jawad al-Bulani, Oil Minister Husayn al-Shahrastani, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Rafi al-Isawi.
COMMENT: China has considerable oil interests in Iraq dating back to the former regime. They are also less concerned than Western oil companies about the security risks and health and safety issues. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: China, debt relief, Jalal Talabani
