Iraq’s president offers Lebanon’s new leader ‘unwavering’ support

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid on Friday congratulated Lebanon’s new president on his election following years of power vacuum and expressed Baghdad’s “unwavering” support for Beirut. 

Lebanon’s parliament on Thursday elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president after his rival withdrew from the race, ending more than two years of power vacuum in the country that has been divided as a result of sectarianism. 

“President Rashid expressed his warm congratulations and optimism for Lebanon’s future, emphasizing his confidence in the country’s potential for stability and progress during this new chapter,” read a statement from his office. 

“The President underscored the importance of strengthening Iraq-Lebanon relations, calling for enhanced collaboration across key sectors to benefit both nations. He reaffirmed Iraq’s unwavering support for Lebanon’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, pledging continued assistance in efforts to improve the well-being and prosperity of the Lebanese people,” the statement added. 

Late last year, more than 20,000 Lebanese nationals sought refuge in Iraq after their towns and cities came under an Israeli offensive.

Baghdad welcomed the refugees as “guests of Iraq.” A large majority of them stayed in the holy Shiite cities of Karbala and Najaf, where they were being aided by religious authorities in addition to the Iraqi government.

About half of them have returned home so far, Iraq’s migration and displaced ministry said on Saturday.