Lebanese Labor Minister: The relationship between Beirut and Baghdad is strong, and we are working to facilitate the work of Iraqi investors

Iraqi News

12-04-2025

Baghdad-INA
Lebanese Labor Minister Mohammed Haidar affirmed on Saturday, that the relationship between Beirut and Baghdad is solid, noting the Lebanese government's efforts to facilitate the work of Iraqi investors.
The Lebanese Labor Minister told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The relationship between the new Lebanese government and the Iraqi government is solid and strong, and the fraternal bond between the Lebanese and Iraqis goes back a long history. This bond was evident during the Zionist war on Lebanon and the Iraqis' embrace of Lebanese who were forced to flee to Baghdad."
He added that "Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's opinion on developing the relationship with Baghdad reflects the government's direction and the demands of the Lebanese people."
Haidar addressed "the visit of the Director-General of the Lebanese General Security, Major General Hassan Choucair, to Iraq this week, which aims to strengthen security cooperation and discuss the exchange of services and the import of oil from Iraq."
He pointed to "positive results that will be built upon in the coming period, particularly with regard to Iraq's contribution to improving the operation of Lebanese power plants and supplying them with fuel."
Haider noted that "President General Joseph Aoun announced an Arab tour, one of whose priorities is a visit to Iraq and, consequently, representing Lebanon at the Arab Summit in Baghdad with the participation of an official Lebanese delegation to meet with Iraqi officials there." He indicated that "Iraq's support for Lebanon in establishing security is fundamental, as is helping to expel the Zionist enemy from Lebanese territory. He also called on our Arab brothers, specifically the Iraqis, to return to investing in Beirut so that Lebanon can regain its leading role in the region."
The Minister emphasized the continuation of the memoranda of understanding signed by the previous government with the Iraqi Ministry of Labor, and the modification of any amendments that can be made, in coordination with his Iraqi counterpart, Ahmed Al-Asadi, whom he will meet in Egypt next week. He will discuss with him the issue of improving opportunities for Lebanese workers in Iraq and Iraqi workers in Lebanon, and opening new job opportunities.
He pointed out that "foreign workers in Lebanon only benefit from a portion of the health benefits, but based on the principle of reciprocity, if the Ministry finds that Lebanese workers in Iraq receive comprehensive insurance, Iraqi workers in Lebanon will be granted comprehensive insurance. This matter is under investigation and will be resolved soon."
He stated that "the labor market and the need for foreign workers, including Iraqis, were studied to determine the actual need, and to inform Iraqi workers of the sectors with vacancies so they can utilize their expertise. This is in addition to the government's efforts to attract Iraqi investors, provide them with full facilities, and initiate investment projects in Lebanon, especially as the period of security instability will end."
He pointed out that "the residency requirements for Iraqis in Lebanon are clearly available on the Lebanese Ministry of Labor's website for anyone wishing to come to Beirut."
He continued: "Projects between Lebanon and Iraq have been delayed due to internal, regional, and international events, but the government will resume work on them. The primary reason for not activating the oil pipeline linking Iraq to Tripoli in northern Lebanon is the need for it to pass through Syria, which has delayed its implementation."
He noted that "there is a trend toward amending the law, hoping to actually achieve this in order to restore projects that serve Lebanon, Iraq, and the region." He explained that "the Zionist enemy has not adhered to international laws, and we, as a government, insist on adhering to them and continue to give diplomacy a chance, but patience has limits."