On August 18, 2020, Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong met with Ahmed Berwari, Iraqi Ambassador to China, who is to leave his post.

Chen Xiaodong spoke positively of Ahmed Berwari's efforts in promoting China-Iraq relations during his tenure. Chen Xiaodong said, recent years have witnessed substantial development of China-Iraq relations and fruitful achievements in cooperation in various areas. Both sides have further deepened the traditional friendship between our two countries in the joint fight against the COVID-19. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Iraqi side to continue to fight the epidemic, and deepen cooperation in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative to constantly push China-Iraq strategic partnership to new highs.

Ahmed Berwari thanked the Chinese side for offering support and convenience during his tenure, spoke highly of Iraq-China relations and bilateral practical cooperation in various areas, and thanked the Chinese side for actively supporting the Iraqi side in combating the epidemic. Ahmed Berwari said, the Iraqi side attaches high importance to its relations with China, and is willing to, together with the Chinese side, push bilateral relations for greater development.