China congratulates PM Zaidi on his appointment, backs expanded ties with Iraq

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Chinese foreign ministry on Friday, in a statement to Rudaw, expressed its congratulations to newly appointed Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, emphasizing the “great importance” Beijing attaches to its relations with Baghdad and its desire to expand bilateral ties.

“China congratulates Mr. al-Zaidi on his appointment as the new Prime Minister of Iraq,” the ministry said.

“China has always attached great importance to developing relations with Iraq and looks forward to deepening traditional friendship, consolidating political trust, expanding cooperation in energy, trade, infrastructure, etc., and strengthening cultural exchanges, and promoting the continuous progress of Sino-Iraqi relations,” the statement added.

Iraqi ruling Shiite Coordination Framework - the largest bloc in parliament, holding 174 seats in the 329-member legislature - in late April named Zaidi as its candidate for prime minister, a post traditionally held by a Shiite.

President Nizar Amedi on the same day tasked Zaidi with forming a new government and presenting his ministerial program to parliament within 30 days of his designation, as stipulated in the Iraqi constitution.

In the following days, the prime minister-designate held consultations with different political forces to discuss the distribution of ministerial portfolios.

Zaidi on Thursday submitted his government program to Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi, the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported.

The Iraqi legislature on Thursday gave its vote of confidence in Zaidi, approving his government program and 14 members of his cabinet line-up, this while votes on nine remaining ministerial positions, including the crucial defense and interior portfolios, were deferred.

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