
Lebanon's president and first lady meet world leaders during Pope Francis' funeral
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and First Lady Nehmat Aoun departed Rome after representing Lebanon at the funeral of Pope Francis.
During the ceremony at the Vatican, they met with a number of world leaders on the sidelines of the funeral proceedings.
مصافحات ولقاءات بين رئيس الجمهورية واللبنانية الأولى وعدد من قادة الدول على هامش جنازة البابا فرنسيس في الفاتيكان pic.twitter.com/RzUT0VE5m6
— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) April 26, 2025

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LBCI
10 hours ago
- LBCI
Years of support on the line: President Aoun's visit to Iraq deepens ties, thanks Baghdad for vital help
Report by Yazbek Wehbe, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian President Joseph Aoun sought to make a special visit to Iraq soon after arriving at the presidential palace, aware of the strong support Iraq has provided Lebanon in recent years. During his meeting with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, President Aoun expressed Lebanon's gratitude to Iraq for its support during difficult times, whether by hosting displaced people and later facilitating their return or through oil shipments necessary for electricity and energy. President Aoun also highlighted the numerous challenges, especially in the fight against terrorism, which both sides continuously coordinate on. The Iraqi president confirmed readiness to cooperate with Lebanon in all fields, wishing President Aoun success amid positive developments in the country. Relations between the two countries date back to Lebanon's independence and have been largely stable. The first agreement between them was signed in 1951. Iraq has been Lebanon's largest importer over the past decade, reaching $125 million in 2021. Without Iraq, Lebanon would not have enjoyed electricity in recent years. Since 2021, Iraq has provided fuel valued at more than $1.2 billion. The platform for payments to Iraq — through selling agricultural and industrial products and services in exchange for these funds — has not yet been completed. During his meeting with President Aoun, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani pledged noninterference in Lebanon's internal affairs, condemned Israel's continued violation of international law, and called on the world to apply United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 without selectivity. President Aoun emphasized the importance of the conference called by France and Saudi Arabia in New York to discuss establishing an independent Palestinian state within a just and comprehensive peace. He drew inspiration from Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Ali al-Sistani, in resolving regional crises. Iraq aims to revive the oil pipeline from Kirkuk to Beddaoui, inactive for half a century, and to rehabilitate the existing refinery so refined Iraqi oil on the Mediterranean coast can be exported to Europe and beyond. Lebanon expressed its support for this.


MTV Lebanon
14 hours ago
- MTV Lebanon
Watch: The President in Baghdad
President Joseph Aoun arrived at Baghdad International Airport at 10 am on Sunday, where he was received by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, his office director Ihsan Al Awadi, the head of the Iraqi National Security Service Abdel Karim Al Basri, along with several senior Iraqi officials, the Lebanese ambassador to Iraq Ali Habhab, the chargé d'affaires Nada Majoul, and embassy staff. The President and the Iraqi Prime Minister proceeded to the platform where the Lebanese and Iraqi national anthems were played, followed by an honor guard review. President Aoun then greeted members of the Iraqi delegation, while Prime Minister Sudani greeted members of the Lebanese delegation. From the airport, President Aoun made the following statement: 'I am pleased to accept the invitation of my brother, His Excellency the President of the brotherly Republic of Iraq, Abdul Latif Rashid, whom I previously met in Cairo on the sidelines of the extraordinary Arab Summit held in the Egyptian capital. This visit is also an opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, reflecting the depth of the historic brotherly relations that bind Lebanon and Iraq and embody our shared commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination in various fields. This visit is an opportunity to thank the Iraqi leadership and the brotherly Iraqi people for their continuous support to Lebanon and for the valuable assistance they have provided to the Lebanese people, especially during the recent war witnessed by Lebanon. We also highly appreciate the shipments of Iraqi oil, which have provided vital support to Lebanon in its difficult circumstances, expressing the sincere spirit of Arab brotherhood and its noble meanings. I must also congratulate brotherly Iraq on its outstanding success in hosting the Arab Summit and the Arab Economic Development Summit, which marked an important milestone in the path of joint Arab work. This success reflects Iraq's ability to shoulder its leadership responsibilities in the region and its pivotal role in strengthening Arab solidarity. I am confident that the talks I will hold today will confirm the complete alignment of views between Lebanon and Iraq, especially regarding deepening coordination and cooperation in all security fields, particularly in combating terrorism and extremism, stemming from our shared belief that security and stability in our countries are interconnected, and that facing security challenges requires joint efforts and exchanging expertise and information. This visit affirms Lebanon's keenness to develop its relations with brotherly Iraq in various political, economic, cultural, and security fields, serving the interests of our two brotherly peoples and enhancing the stability and prosperity of the region.' From the airport, President Aoun headed to the Iraqi Presidential Palace to meet with President Rashid.


LBCI
14 hours ago
- LBCI
President Joseph Aoun meets Iraq's president in Baghdad visit
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with his Iraqi counterpart Abdul Latif Rashid on Sunday at the presidential palace in Baghdad, shortly after arriving in the Iraqi capital. Aoun's visit, described as reflecting the 'deep historical brotherly ties' between Lebanon and Iraq, aims to bolster bilateral cooperation. 'This visit embodies our shared commitment to strengthening coordination across various fields,' Aoun said. 'It is also an opportunity to thank the Iraqi leadership and people for their continued support to Lebanon.' He also expressed appreciation for Iraq's fuel shipments to Lebanon during its economic crisis, calling them 'a sincere expression of Arab brotherhood and solidarity.'