MIKATI COMMENDS IRAQI SUPPORT TO LEBANON, FOLLOWS UP ON LATEST DEVELOPMENTS WITH GRAND SERAIL VISITORS

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Monday expressed deep appreciation for Iraq's comprehensive support for Lebanon across various sectors and the Iraqi government's readiness to enhance bilateral cooperation. Speaking at the Grand Serail, Mikati highlighted his recent visit to Iraq with a Lebanese ministerial delegation, where extensive discussions were held with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani and other officials. Mikati announced that these talks would continue at the joint economic committee meeting in Beirut at the end of September. This meeting aims to activate existing agreements and sign new ones in transportation, agriculture, and trade. Mikati also reiterated his invitation to the Iraqi Prime Minister to visit Lebanon. Addressing Lebanon's internal challenges, Mikati emphasized the importance of insulating the military from political disputes and expressed concern over recent developments in southern Lebanon. He noted ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation and secur e a calm extension of UNIFIL's mandate. Mikati also met with various officials, including Defense Minister Maurice Sleem, Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib, and heads of diplomatic missions from Sweden and Belgium. Discussions covered security, foreign affairs, and local developments, with particular attention to maintaining stability in the south and ensuring the continued operation of the Lebanese University and the Lebanese Red Cross. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon