Ambassador of the Republic of China: We seek to strengthen and deepen the relationship with the Iraqi religious institutions.

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Iraq, Chen Weiqing, stated that this is not the first visit through which they seek to strengthen and deepen the friendship between the Chinese Embassy and religious institutions in Iraq, including the holy shrines.

He has singled out the al-Kafeel Global Network by an interview during his visit to the al-Abbas's (p) holy shrine on Thursday 3rd of Jumada I 1440H corresponding to January 10, 2019. He added: "I met with the officials at the al-Abbas's (p) holy shrine, and in turn I will study the information provided to me about some of its industrial and agricultural projects, and I will work to maintain communication and strengthen the relationship in the service of both parties."

Adding: "The Republic of China is the largest trading partner of Iraq and has many investors in it, and we are ready for economic cooperation with Iraq during this period of post the terrorist ISIL gangs, in all provinces and in various disciplines."

Stressing: "The city of Karbala is an important holy city in the Islamic world and has a history and heritage, and we have all the respect for it. And we have made great efforts to facilitate the entry of Chinese visitors to the holy city of Karbala in the Ziyarat Arba'een".

He concluded by saying: "I thank the General Secretariat of the al-Abbas's (p) Holy Shrine for this warm reception, which is indicative of the good relationship that brings us together with this institution."

The Chinese Ambassador and his accompanying delegation met with the Secretary-General of the al-Abbas's (p) holy shrine; Eng. Mohammed Al-Ashigar, who briefed him on the most important projects of the al-Abbas's (p) holy shrine in various fields.

After the meeting, the Chinese ambassador toured the al-Abbas's (p) Holy Shrine, where he was accompanied by a member of the Board of Directors of the Holy Shrine, Jaafar Saeed Jaafar. He saw the roofing and expansion projects of the sanctuary and the cooling system as well as other projects. The Chinese ambassador was very impressed with the accuracy and mastery of work, dazzled by the Islamic architecture and inscriptions decorating the walls and corridors of the al-Abbas's (p) holy shrine.

The Chinese Ambassador concluded his tour of the Holy Shrine with a visit to the al-Kafeel museum of treasures and manuscripts. He was impressed by the valuable treasures of the museum, such as the old manuscripts of the Holy Quran and other valuables, stopping to watch many displayed pieces showing the effects of the criminal attack on the dome of the holy shrine of Aba al-Fadl al-Abbas (peace be upon him).