Q: It is reported that over 1,200 Chinese employees from the China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) in Samarra, Iraq have been removed to safe places. Please brief us on the details and what China has done.
A: Assisted by the Chinese Embassy in Iraq, the Iraqi government and army, more than 1,200 employees from CMEC are already evacuated to Iraqi capital city Bagdad safe and sound. Before the evacuation, the Chinese Embassy in Iraq helped CMEC make a better evacuation plan following the evolvement of situation, and coordinated with the Iraqi side to ensure a safe and orderly transfer of Chinese personnel. During evacuation, the Iraqi side delivered substantial support and assistance, which China appreciates.
The Chinese government pays great attention to the security of Chinese personnel and companies in Iraq. Given the recent tense situation in Iraq, the Foreign Ministry of China and the Chinese Embassy in Iraq have issued emergent security warnings, informed Chinese citizens and companies of the security situation, helped Chinese companies make contingency plans and required the Iraqi side to guarantee their safety. For now, most of the Chinese citizens in Iraq are in safe areas. We will continue to follow closely the Iraqi situation, take timely and corresponding measures and make all-out efforts to ensure that Chinese citizens and companies in Iraq are safe and sound.