Iraqi Interim Foreign Minister Hoshiar Al-Zibari called his first China visit "very satisfactory" during an interview with Xinhua in Beijing Sunday.

Al-Zibari said a key issue of his four-day visit was to make sure China supports the upcoming Iraqi election, especially since there is still skepticism among the international community of the credibility and variability of Iraqi political process.

"China has been very supportive in both the statements it has made and its actions," he said.

During his stay, Al-Zibari met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and other senior officials, exchanging views with them on Iraq, the Sino-Iraqi relations and post-war reconstruction.

He also signed an agreement for a US$ one million aid package from China for the election process in Iraq.

"Although the money is symbolic, considering China's position the political symbolism and significance is huge," he noted.

Describing Chinese companies as "no strangers" to Iraqi people, Al-Zibari encouraged Chinese entrepreneurs to enhance their business presence in Iraq and assured them there would be "fair treatment" and "no discrimination."

He stressed that the Iraqi government will follow all legitimate contracts with China and other countries. "Once the security situation in Iraq becomes stabilized, the world will find Iraq a huge market," he said.

The foreign minister also reiterated Iraq's one-China policy and its willingness to strengthen ties with China.

"This visit helped us establish the ground for future bilateral development. Whatever our new government will become, its Chinese agenda will be to strengthen the ground and achieve more," he said.

Admitting there is still some skepticism about the January 30 elections, Al-Zibari said the Iraqi interim government needs to build as much international support as it can.

"I made similar efforts in my tour to Pakistan and north Africa," he said. "The January election is not the end of our political process, but only an important step to begin with. It's our future. "

"The short-term prospect for Iraq may look dim, but honestly, the mid-term and long-term potential, I can assure you, is huge," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 27, 2004)