INA–Dhi Qar
Dhi Qar Governor Haitham al-Hamdani affirmed on Thursday that the visit of the Chinese ambassador to the province represents an important opportunity to strengthen joint cooperation and implement strategic projects. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Iraq Xu Haifeng expressed his country’s support for expanding cooperation with Iraq and encouraging investment in solar energy projects.
During a joint press conference attended by a correspondent from the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Hamdani stated that “the Chinese ambassador’s visit represents an important step toward discussing the province’s needs and future projects.” He explained that “the meeting addressed hospital projects funded through the Chinese loan, the establishment of solar power systems for schools, and clean energy production projects.”
Al-Hamdani pointed out that “there are more than 18,000 sites suitable for solar energy projects,” adding that discussions also covered plans to establish an oil refinery and a petrochemical plant. He noted that “these projects will provide significant economic and developmental opportunities for the province.”
He further explained that “Dhi Qar is home to more than 1,200 archaeological landmarks and important tourist sites, including the marshes and other promising areas,” calling for enhanced cooperation with China and greater benefit from its expertise. He also requested the opening of a Chinese consulate in the province to further strengthen bilateral relations.
For his part, Chinese Ambassador Xu Haifeng said that his visit to Dhi Qar included meetings with Governor Haitham al-Hamdani and a number of department directors to discuss several projects, including the construction of Chinese-funded schools and the completion of schools currently under construction.
He stressed that “these projects contribute to improving the educational sector in the province,” adding that “Dhi Qar possesses substantial tourism, natural, and human resources, and China encourages its companies to invest and operate there.”
The ambassador noted that “cooperation between the two countries will extend to the health, education, and economic sectors,” expressing his belief that Dhi Qar has strong potential to attract investors and encouraging Chinese companies to establish projects in the province.
He added, “We are making significant efforts to strengthen cooperation between our two countries, particularly with Dhi Qar. We support cooperation across various sectors, including health and education, in a way that enhances bilateral relations and contributes to improving the province’s economic conditions.”
The Chinese ambassador also expressed his appreciation to the local government of Dhi Qar, emphasizing that “the province enjoys a strategic geographical location and possesses considerable urban, human, and natural resources.”
He concluded by saying, “There are broad prospects for cooperation between Iraq and China, particularly in Dhi Qar. During today’s meetings, we discussed the province’s suitability for the establishment of solar energy projects and systems.”
