BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- China attaches great importance todeveloping its relations with Iraq, and is willing to promote bilateral friendly cooperation, said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing here Friday.

    Li made the remarks during his talks with visiting Foreign Minister Hoshiar Al-Zibari of the Iraqi interim government.

    Li said China closely follows the situation in Iraq, and claimsto maintain Iraq's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

    China hopes Iraq will set up a widely representative governmentthrough general election, and continuously push forward its political reconstruction, Li said.

    Al-Zibari informed Li of Iraq's domestic situation. He appreciated China's support for Iraq's political interim process.

    He expressed thanks for China's efforts in the United Nations Security Council for settling the Iraqi issue. He reiterated Iraq's adherence to the one-China policy.

    After the talks, the two sides exchanged letters on China's assistance for Iraq's general election.

    Al-Zibari arrived here Thursday for a four-day visit to China as Li's guest. Enditem