The Deputy Ambassador noted that Iraq is the third-largest supplier of oil to China. When asked about the Iraqi-Chinese Agreement, he stated, "I do not know more about the agreement than the honorable attendees do." The discussion seminar addressed several other topics with the following panelists:

1.     Dr. Nabil al-Marsoumi, professor at the University of Basra.

2.     Dr. Niu Xinchun, Director of Middle East Studies at CICIR.

3.     Dr. Tang Tianbo, head of the Iraq program at CICIR.

The participants discussed the details of Iraqi-Chinese relations in light of the current political situation, economic crises, and the Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese side considers Iraq a primary hub for this strategic route due to its geographic location, especially if the Faw Port and its associated land routes are implemented. The panelists dismissed the notion that Iraq would become an arena for international conflict between China and the United States. They went further, suggesting that the presence of both powers falls within a framework of mutual understandings, making it imperative for Iraq to leverage this major economic presence for its own benefit.

The dialogue, moderated by Dr. Ahmed Al-Mamouri, Director of the Research and Development Department at RCD, also touched upon China's support for Iraq during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included sending vaccines, medical personnel, health equipment, and specialized laboratories for the virus, among other supplies. Regarding human resources, it was noted that Chinese companies have a distinct advantage in that they rely on local Iraqi staff, unlike other foreign companies.

It is noteworthy that Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD) had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) for cooperation in cultural, intellectual, and research fields, as well as for organizing dialogues.