Vice-Premier Qian Qichen of the State Council met with visiting Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tarik Aziz at the Diaoyudai Statehouse on Nov. 27, 2000.

Aziz briefed Qian on the latest developments of the Iraqi issue and efforts made by the Iraqi government to remove sanctions. He said that current international situations have undergone new changes, and Iraq has begun to restore its role and returned to the Arab camp. Iraq holds that the United States will not change its policy towards Iraq if Iraq fails to withstand the pressure from the United States. Aziz expressed thanks for China's support to Iraq, saying that Iraq hopes to promote friendly relations and cooperation with China in all fields.

Qian extended welcome to Aziz and thanked him for coming to China to brief the Chinese side on the latest developments of the Iraqi issue and for Iraq's wish to further its ties with China. He went on to say that the practice to control others is against the will of the international community. He noted that China supports Iraq's efforts in removing sanctions, adding that China is pleased to see Iraq improving relations with its neighboring countries and developing cooperation with the international community. He said that China, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and as a friend of Iraq, will continue to make unremitting efforts alongside Iraq with a view to settling at an early date the Iraqi issue in a comprehensive, just and reasonable way.
 
Qian expressed satisfaction over the development of bilateral relations. He stressed that China has attached importance to its relations with Iraq, and encouraged Chinese entrepreneurs to participate in the "oil-for-food" programme of the UN. China stands ready to explore new ways for expanding trade cooperation with Iraq.