Latest news with #AbdulLatifRashid
LBCI
2 days ago
- Business
- 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.
LBCI
2 days ago
- Business
- 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.'
Arab News
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Lebanese President Aoun reviews ties, cooperation with Iraqi official
LONDON: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed ties and cooperation with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani during his visit to Iraq on Sunday. Aoun stressed the importance of establishing an Arab mutual interest system to enhance shared interests among Arab countries during his meeting with Al-Sudani. In a separate meeting with Rashid at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad, Aoun commended Iraq's support and donations, including fuel shipments to generate electricity, for the Lebanese people during the recent round of the Israeli-Hezbollah war, which flared up in September 2024. Aoun said that Lebanon and Iraq face the challenge of terrorism, which is being addressed through security agencies in both countries. The two presidents emphasized the urgency to end the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip and to support the Palestinian cause without allowing it to be compromised, according to the NNA agency. Aoun said that Israel must withdraw from the five areas inside the Lebanese territory it has controlled since 2024 and stop its repeated attacks on the country that undermine peace efforts in the region. Rashid affirmed Iraq's support for Lebanon and said that Baghdad views positively the recent developments in the country following the formation of the new government in early 2025.
Al Manar
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Manar
Lebanon's President Visits Iraq: Discussions Tackle Bilateral Ties, Regional Issues
The Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Sunday visited Iraq, meeting the senior officials, including the PM Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani and President Abdul Latif Rashid. During a joint press conference, Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq's support for Lebanon's sovereignty, unity, and stability, pledging to advocate for the country during Iraq's presidency of the Arab League, and rejected the ongoing Israeli violations of Lebanese territory. 'Iraq contributed $20M to the Arab Fund for Lebanon's reconstruction,' he added. Al-Sudani also welcomed the formation of Lebanon's new government as a crucial step toward restoring political order, identifying energy, telecommunications, trade, and private-sector development as 'opportunities that can serve both.' In turn, Aoun expressed appreciation for Iraq's continued assistance, particularly during the recent Israeli war, highlighting joint security challenges, including counterterrorism, as a top priority. Aoun further condemned Israel's ongoing military campaign on Gaza as 'inhumane' and called on the international community to act. 'What is happening in Gaza is unacceptable. The global community must intervene immediately.' President Aoun also met with his Iraqi counterpart who reiterated the Iraqi support for Lebanon, underlining the bilateral ties in the various domains. The Lebanese President also hailed the roadmap made by the Supreme Iraqi Cleric Imam Sayyed Ali Al-Sistani to consecrate reform, corruption fight and the centrality of the military decision. President Aoun had said upon arrival: '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.' He continued: 'We highly value the Iraqi oil shipments, which have been a vital pillar of support for Lebanon, and we consider them a noble expression of sincere Arab brotherhood. I congratulate Iraq on its success in hosting the Arab Summit and the Economic Development Summit, reflecting its leadership position and pivotal role in strengthening joint Arab action. The talks I will hold today will confirm the convergence of views between our two countries, particularly regarding security cooperation and the fight against terrorism and extremism. We believe that security in Lebanon and Iraq is interconnected, and that confronting challenges requires concerted efforts and the exchange of expertise and information between the relevant institutions.' He concluded: 'My visit confirms Lebanon's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Iraq in all fields—political, economic, cultural, and security—for the good of our two peoples and the stability of our region.'
Nahar Net
3 days ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
President Aoun begins official visit to Iraq
by Naharnet Newsdesk 01 June 2025, 12:33 President Joseph Aoun on Sunday began an official visit to Iraq by meeting with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid. 'I'm pleased to meet the invitation of my brother, His Excellency President of Iraq Abdul Latif Rashid, after we met in Cairo on the sidelines of the emergency Arab Summit,' Aoun said at Baghdad's airport, adding that he will also meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and that the visit 'reflects the depth of the historic brotherly ties between Lebanon and Iraq.' 'I'm confident that the talks I will hold today will emphasize the identical viewpoints between Lebanon and Iraq, especially as to deepening coordination and cooperation between them in all security fields, especially in the field of combating terrorism and extremism, based on our common belief that security and stability in our countries are linked, and that confronting security challenges requires the rallying of efforts and the exchange of expertise and information,' the president added.
