The Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Sunday visited Iraq, meeting the senior officials, including the PM Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani and President Abdul Latif Rashid.
During a joint press conference, Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and stability, pledging to advocate for the country during Iraq’s presidency of the Arab League, and rejected the ongoing Israeli violations of Lebanese territory.
“Iraq contributed $20M to the Arab Fund for Lebanon’s reconstruction,” he added.
Al-Sudani also welcomed the formation of Lebanon’s new government as a crucial step toward restoring political order, identifying energy, telecommunications, trade, and private-sector development as “opportunities that can serve both.”
In turn, Aoun expressed appreciation for Iraq’s continued assistance, particularly during the recent Israeli war, highlighting joint security challenges, including counterterrorism, as a top priority.
Aoun further condemned Israel’s ongoing military campaign on Gaza as “inhumane” and called on the international community to act. “What is happening in Gaza is unacceptable. The global community must intervene immediately.”
President Aoun also met with his Iraqi counterpart who reiterated the Iraqi support for Lebanon, underlining the bilateral ties in the various domains.
The Lebanese President also hailed the roadmap made by the Supreme Iraqi Cleric Imam Sayyed Ali Al-Sistani to consecrate reform, corruption fight and the centrality of the military decision.
President Aoun had said upon arrival: “Today, I accept the invitation of my brother, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Iraq, Abdul Latif Rashid, which I was honored to receive following our meeting in Cairo on the sidelines of the extraordinary Arab Summit. My visit to Iraq will be an opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, a milestone that confirms the depth of the fraternal and historical relations between Lebanon and Iraq. On this visit, I carry with me deep feelings of appreciation for the Iraqi leadership and the brotherly Iraqi people, in appreciation for the continuous support and assistance they have provided to Lebanon, especially during these difficult times and hardships.”
He continued: “We highly value the Iraqi oil shipments, which have been a vital pillar of support for Lebanon, and we consider them a noble expression of sincere Arab brotherhood. I congratulate Iraq on its success in hosting the Arab Summit and the Economic Development Summit, reflecting its leadership position and pivotal role in strengthening joint Arab action. The talks I will hold today will confirm the convergence of views between our two countries, particularly regarding security cooperation and the fight against terrorism and extremism. We believe that security in Lebanon and Iraq is interconnected, and that confronting challenges requires concerted efforts and the exchange of expertise and information between the relevant institutions.”
He concluded: “My visit confirms Lebanon’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Iraq in all fields—political, economic, cultural, and security—for the good of our two peoples and the stability of our region.”
Source: Websites
