(VOVworld) - China and Iraq agreed Tuesday to establish a strategic partnership during the on-going visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping(R) meets with Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi in Beijing, on December 22nd, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

The two countries issued a joint statement which said that the partnership will deepen bilateral cooperation and promote development and prosperity in both countries.

At a meeting with Prime Minister Abadi the same day, Chinese President Xi Jinping said establishing a strategic partnership will lay a solid foundation for future development of bilateral ties.

He said China is ready to assist Iraq's reconstruction in energy, electricity, communication, and infrastructure.

China will encourage its companies to participate in the construction of large projects that will have a major impact on Iraq's development and the well-being of its people, and conduct related investment and financing cooperation.

President Xi said China will also help Iraq train professionals needed for its economic and social development, and provide opportunities for Iraqi youths, scholars, journalists and think tank experts to visit China.

This was Iraqi Prime Minister Abdi’s first visit to China since he took office last September.