Between Weapons and Oil: Lebanese-Iraqi Talks in Baghdad

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji discussed bilateral relations and regional developments with Iraqi President Nizar Amidi in Baghdad, on the sidelines of the 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. Rajji thanked Iraq for its continued support to Lebanon, especially in supplying fuel, and affirmed Lebanon's support for Iraqi state efforts to restrict weapons to the state and strengthen its sovereignty. The Iraqi president stressed the importance of Lebanon's stability, strengthening state institutions, extending sovereignty and restricting weapons to the state, describing Lebanon as a country rich in human resources and competencies, and noting that Iraq's doors are open to Lebanese businessmen and companies. At the end of the meeting, the two sides discussed prospects for enhancing economic cooperation, particularly in the oil sector, and the possibility of reactivating the Iraqi oil pipeline extending from Kirkuk through Baniyas to Tripoli.