Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem both paid a visit to Beijing, albeit separately, last week, highlighting China's increasing role in the Middle East.

During Abadi's visit, China and Iraq issued a joint statement agreeing to establish a strategic partnership and deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields. At his meeting with Abadi on Dec 22, President Xi Jinping said China firmly supports Iraq's measures to safeguard its national security and stability, and will strengthen cooperation in this field.

Recent years have seen China's active participation in Iraq's post-war reconstruction, and its cooperation with Iraq in the field of security, as Xi has said, will enhance the Middle East country's ability to safeguard its national security and fight the Islamic State group that has captured most of the Iraqi province of Anbar.