This morning, Ali Hamieh, Minister of Public Works and Transport in the caretaker government, oversaw the signing of an executive memorandum between the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority, represented by Director-General Fadi Hassan, and the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority, represented by Chairman Imad Abdul Razak Al-Asadi. The event was attended by the Chargé d'Affaires at the Iraqi Embassy in Lebanon, the Director General of Middle East Airlines, Mohamed Al-Hout, the Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of State Security, Brigadier General Hassan Shaqir, and a participating delegation from both countries.
Hamieh welcomed the Iraqi delegation, affirming that "the relationships between the two countries and their brotherly peoples exemplify a model of cooperation that can be emulated in the relations between friendly and brotherly nations." He noted that "Lebanon can only express its constant gratitude for Iraq's support during all the difficult phases that the country has faced."
He continued, stating that "what we are on the verge of today, signing an executive memorandum between the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority and the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority, represents an important and additional milestone in enhancing cooperation between the two brotherly countries, particularly in increasing the number of civil aviation flights between Lebanon and Iraq to 45 weekly flights for each country." He considered that "this agreement takes into account the interests of Lebanese and Iraqi civil aviation, while also serving the growth of relations between the two countries across all fields, in addition to facilitating the movement of all travelers and visitors to both countries throughout the year."
For his part, Al-Asadi thanked Minister Hamieh for the warm hospitality and reception, praising "his vision and strategic approach in enhancing the growth of relations between Lebanon and Iraq, especially in the transportation sector," pointing to "the strategic development road project" in this context.
After discussions between the delegations, it was agreed that the number of civil aviation flights for both countries would be set at 45 weekly flights. In conclusion, the executive memorandum was signed between the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority, represented by Director General Fadi Hassan, and the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority, represented by its Chairman Imad Abdul Razak Al-Asadi.
