Ex-Prime Minister Abe visits Iraq as Aso's envoy

Ex-Prime Minister Abe visits Iraq as Aso's envoy

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L), on a visit to Iraq as Prime Minister Taro Aso's special envoy aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, hands over a letter from Aso to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani (R) during their meeting at the Iraqi president's official residence in Baghdad on Jan. 28.

Iraqi President Talabani visits China

Iraqi President Talabani visits China

BEIJING, China - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani (L), along with Chinese President Hu Jintao (R), attends a welcoming ceremony for his visit to China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 21.

Iraqi President Talabani visits China

Iraqi President Talabani visits China

BEIJING, China - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani (R) reviews a guard of honor at the welcoming ceremony for his visit to China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 21. At left is Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Ex-Prime Minister Abe visits Iraq as Aso's envoy

Ex-Prime Minister Abe visits Iraq as Aso's envoy

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L), on a visit to Iraq as Prime Minister Taro Aso's special envoy aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, hands over a letter from Aso to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani (R) during their meeting at the Iraqi president's official residence in Baghdad on Jan. 28. (Kyodo)

Iraqi President Talabani visits China

Iraqi President Talabani visits China

BEIJING, China - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani (L), along with Chinese President Hu Jintao (R), attends a welcoming ceremony for his visit to China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 21. (Kyodo)

Iraqi President Talabani visits China

Iraqi President Talabani visits China

BEIJING, China - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani (R) reviews a guard of honor at the welcoming ceremony for his visit to China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 21. At left is Chinese President Hu Jintao. (Kyodo)