Baghdad: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, expressed gratitude for Iraq's support during Lebanon's crisis during his visit to Baghdad. He stated, "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."
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun highlighted the significance of Iraqi oil shipments to Lebanon, describing them as a vital pillar of support and a noble expression of Arab brotherhood. He also congratulated Iraq on its success in hosting the Arab Summit and the Economic Development Summit, emphasizing Iraq's leadership position and role in strengthening joint Arab action. He mentioned that the talks scheduled with Iraqi officials would underscore the alignment of views between the two countries, particularly in terms of security cooperation and combating terrorism and extremism. President Aoun emphasized that security in Lebanon and Iraq is interconnected, necessitating concerted efforts and the exchange of expertise and information between relevant institutions.
President Aoun concluded by reaffirming Lebanon's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Iraq across various fields, including political, economic, cultural, and security, for the benefit of both nations and regional stability.