BEIJING - China on Tuesday pledged to work with Iraq in promoting traditional friendly cooperation.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a regular news briefing.

"China would like to work with the Iraqi side to continue consolidating and developing the traditional friendly cooperation between the two countries," he said.

He was commenting on the election by Iraq's parliament on November 11 of the country's president and parliament speaker.

"We welcome the Iraqi parliament's election on November 11 of the president and parliament speaker," Hong said.

China congratulated President Jalal Talabani on his re-election and Osama al-Nujaifi's election to the speakership.

"We hope Iraq can form a new government as soon as possible, rally the strength of all sectors and deliver a long and peaceful reign," Hong said.