Iraq and Lebanon held talks in Baghdad on expanding bilateral cooperation in the oil and telecom sectors, while Iraqi officials reiterated support for Lebanon’s security and political and economic stability. The meetings were part of a broader push to strengthen ties between the two countries across several strategic files.
The discussions were held under the patronage of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falah Al-Zeidi and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, with ministers from both sides taking part.
Ministerial talks on oil and telecom
According to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister’s media office, Iraqi Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair and Communications Minister Mustafa Jabbar Sand held joint talks with their Lebanese counterparts, Energy and Water Minister Joseph Al-Seddi and Telecom Minister Charles Hajj.
The meetings focused on enhancing cooperation in energy, oil, and telecommunications, as well as identifying practical areas for coordination between the two governments.
Key files on the agenda
The talks covered:
– Oil and energy cooperation
– Telecom service development
– Expanded interministerial partnerships
– Practical coordination mechanisms between the two sides
President says Iraq supports Lebanon’s stability
In a separate meeting, Iraqi President Nizar Amidi told Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam that Baghdad supports Lebanon’s security and its political and economic stability.
The Presidential Media Department said the meeting took place at Baghdad Palace and focused on the overall bilateral relationship, along with ways to expand cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields.
Call to deepen bilateral partnership
The president said the current regional moment requires joint efforts to address ongoing challenges, stressing Iraq’s support for any initiative that strengthens stability and advances Iraqi-Lebanese relations.
He added that stronger ties should serve the mutual interests of both peoples and meet their shared aspirations.
Iraq reiterates support for Lebanon’s security
Amidi, according to the statement, told Salam that Iraq backs Lebanon’s security and its political and economic stability.
He also emphasized the importance of Lebanese national consensus and stronger state institutions to preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty and unity.
The president further called for de-escalation in the region and said dialogue and diplomacy should be prioritized to resolve crises and maintain regional and international peace.
Diplomatic message
• Support for Lebanon’s stability
• Respect for sovereignty and state institutions
• Avoiding regional escalation
• Promoting dialogue and diplomacy
Nawaf Salam calls Iraq a key Arab partner
For his part, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon views Iraq as a pivotal Arab partner and that his government seeks to expand and deepen cooperation.
He said both countries want to translate their shared will into practical projects and programs that serve mutual interests, expressing appreciation for Iraq’s support for Lebanon’s security and stability.
Broad official participation
The meeting was attended by Iraqi:
– Finance Minister Faleh Al-Sari
– Oil Minister Bassem Al-Abadi
– Communications Minister Mustafa Sand
– Head of the Arab Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Osama Al-Rifai
The Lebanese side was represented by:
– Finance Minister Yassin Jaber
– Energy and Water Minister Joseph Al-Seddi
– Communications Minister Charles Hajj
– Lebanese Ambassador to Iraq Khalil Abdullah Mohammed
– General Security Director Major General Hassan Choukeir
Conclusion
The talks between Iraq and Lebanon reflect a shared desire to broaden political and economic cooperation, especially in oil and telecoms. Baghdad’s continued support for Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty underscores the importance of practical regional partnerships at a time when the Middle East needs more dialogue and less escalation.
