President Aoun hails strong Lebanese-Iraqi ties as Baghdad reaffirms support for Lebanon

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun affirmed the strength of Lebanese-Iraqi relations during a meeting at Baabda Palace with a special envoy of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.

Aoun highlighted the shared ties between the Lebanese and Iraqi peoples and thanked Iraq for its continued support to Lebanon over the years. 

He said the Iraqi prime minister’s initiative, announced at the Arab Summit in Baghdad last May to allocate $20 million for Lebanon’s reconstruction, helped trigger wider Arab and international assistance to rebuild damage caused by repeated Israeli attacks.

The president stressed that the return of residents to southern towns and villages is Lebanon’s top priority, in order to preserve their dignity and end their ongoing suffering. 

He conveyed his appreciation to al-Sudani and thanked the Iraqi people for standing by Lebanon in difficult times.

Iraqi envoy Hassan al-Awadi delivered greetings from Prime Minister al-Sudani, reaffirming Iraq’s commitment to supporting Lebanon. 

He said Iraq is moving forward with implementing its pledges, including opening a follow-up office at the Iraqi embassy in Beirut to coordinate reconstruction aid, set priorities with Lebanese authorities, and support stability in the south.

Al-Awadi said relations between Lebanon and Iraq are rooted in the will of both peoples, not just governments.

Director General of General Security Major General Hassan Chkeir said special attention will be given to rebuilding or repairing damaged public institutions in southern Lebanon to restore services to affected communities. 

He also reviewed areas of cooperation between the two countries and emphasized Iraq’s ongoing support to Lebanon.

The Iraqi delegation included adviser to the prime minister and Chargé d’Affaires at the Iraqi embassy in Beirut Nada Majoul.