China's new ambassador arrived in Iraq on Friday.

Yang Honglin, China's first ambassador since the US-led coalition forces declared an end to major combat in Iraq last year, says China will continue to promote friendly bilateral ties with Iraq.

Yang Honglin notes bilateral ties will enter a new phase of development with the arrival of new ambassadors in each country, and the Chinese embassy in Iraq will establish ties with departments of Iraqi interim government to increase mutual understanding.

Also on Friday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit laid out a list of ideas that he believes should be included in a possible final declaration of an international conference on Iraq late next month.

The main points underline the unity of Iraq and its territorial integrity and stress the UN's pivotal role in Iraq's political process.

Conference participants will include Iraq, Egypt, the Group of Eight, China the UN, and the Arab League.