After meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati at the Grand Serail, the Head of the Iraqi Embassy's mission in Lebanon, Amin Al-Nasrawi, stated that they discussed bilateral relations between Iraq and Lebanon. The discussion included numerous challenges faced by Iraqi students in Lebanon, and they explored solutions and mechanisms to address these issues. They also touched upon an incident that took place yesterday at the Lebanese Ministry of Education. Al-Nasrawi conveyed the commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to protect Iraqi nationals in all countries and their rights, as well as to safeguard their dignity, in parallel with the good and brotherly relations between Iraq and Lebanon.
Dr. Alaa Al-Zughaibi noted that "the meeting with Miqati was very fruitful," and proposed a set of suggestions that received approval to be included in an official mechanism to be signed at the highest levels in both countries. He mentioned that they would remain in Beirut over the next two days to prepare a protocol to be signed between the two sides, establishing an approved process to resolve past issues. The process of credential evaluation will be made easier, as students will not need to go to the ministry but will have direct communication and reviews with their respective universities.
Regarding the nature of the proposals, he stated, "We will announce them upon the completion and signing of the protocol."
For his part, the Director General of the Ministry of Education, Imad Al-Ashkar, announced, "On behalf of the Minister of Education, Abbas Al-Halabi, who is abroad for personal reasons, I attended the meeting with Miqati and the Iraqi delegation to address the repercussions of what happened yesterday at the Ministry of Education." He highlighted that the meeting was very good and that solutions were proposed, which would hopefully manifest next week upon the minister's return in collaboration with Miqati's support.
He added that the Minister of Education emphasizes the importance of maintaining excellent relations with brotherly Iraq, stressing that Iraqi students are like the children of Lebanon, and they are keen to foster strong ties with them, within the capabilities and legal frameworks the Ministry can afford at this time.
The Iraqi delegation included Dr. Alaa Al-Zughaibi, Hazem Tahr, Head of the Iraqi Embassy's mission in Lebanon Amin Al-Nasrawi, Consul Mohannad Yahya, and Cultural Attaché Dan Houshi Khalaf.
