China hopes Iraqi's interim government, with the help of the international community, can stabilize its security situation at an early date and push forward its reconstruction in a comprehensive way, said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing Thursday.

Li made the remark while talking by phone with Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiar al-Zibari, saying China supports the Iraqi interim government and will further bilateral friendly cooperation in line with mutual respect, mutual benefit and equality.

Li also briefed Zibari on China's decision to reopen its embassy in Iraq.

Zibari appreciated China's support for Iraq's interim government and the important role China has played in the UN Security Council, saying Iraq is willing to establish friendly relations with China.

Iraq will take steps to guarantee safety of the Chinese diplomatic officials, and welcomes Chinese enterprises to participate in Iraq's reconstruction, said Zibari.

(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2004)