On May 4, 2007, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi attended the enlarged ministerial meeting of Iraq's neighboring countries held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt and pointed out that solidarity, stability and development are the three prime tasks for the resolution of the Iraqi issue, among which solidarity is the key.

Yang said that the Iraqi groups should strengthen dialogues, promote reconciliation and realize stability through comprehensive measures. Continuous efforts should be made to promote reconstruction, improve the livelihood of the people, and build up a mechanism for self-development.

Yang stressed that the neighboring countries should strengthen coordination and cooperation, which are constructive factors for the positive development of the Iraqi issue. The rational concerns of the neighboring countries should also be understood and taken care of. The international community should take substantial measures to deliver their promises and enable the United Nations to play a leading role in this endeavor. Other regional hotspot issues should also be properly handled and good environment should be created for the resolution of the Iraqi issue.

Yang reaffirmed that China firmly supports the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Iraq and calls for resolving the disputes of the Iraqi groups through political process in peaceful and democratic means. China appreciates the measures taken by the Iraqi government for reconstruction and stability.

Yang said that China attaches great importance to the relationship with Iraq and has earnestly delivered our promises, such as training of technicians for Iraq and offering of material and equipment assistance. China is ready to significantly reduce and exempt the debts owed by Iraq. China is willing to work with the international community to keep playing a constructive role in realizing the stability and development in Iraq.