Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki arrived in Beijing Sunday night for his first official visit to China as a guest of his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao.

During al-Maliki's stay in China from Sunday to Thursday, President Hu Jintao will meet with him, and Premier Wen will hold talks with the Iraqi prime minister, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said earlier.

China and Iraq share a traditional friendship, Hong said, adding that the two countries have witnessed smooth development of bilateral relations, steadily growing economic cooperation and increasing cultural exchanges.

"China is ready to work with the international community and to continue to provide assistance for the Iraqi people to improve their livelihoods," said the spokesman.

(Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2011)