Iraq welcomes China to take part in its post-war reconstruction and hopes China could play a bigger role in Iraqi affairs.

Iraqi interim government President Ghazi Al-Yawar made this comment Wednesday when accepting the credential submitted by new Chinese ambassador to Iraq Yang Honglin.

Yawar said China is a crucial player in international affairs and expected to further develop the bilateral relationship with China.

Yang Honglin said China is ready to grow friendly ties with Iraq upon mutual respect and benefit.

He also pledged to join the international community to help Iraq restore peace and democracy in its reconstruction.

Yang Honglin is China's first ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Iraq after the war in Iraq.

(CRI October 28, 2004)