Prime Minister Najib Mikati praised the full support provided by Iraq to Lebanon in various fields and the Iraqi government's readiness to activate the existing bilateral cooperation between the two countries and embark on new horizons of relations. In front of his visitors at the Grand Serail today, he stated that "the entirety of these issues was discussed during my visit with the Lebanese ministerial delegation to Iraq yesterday and the talks I held with Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani, along with the bilateral meetings conducted by the relevant ministers of both countries."
He added, "These discussions will continue during the meeting of the joint economic committee between the two countries at the end of September in Beirut, which will be an opportunity to activate the signed agreements and sign new agreements and memorandums of understanding to enhance the partnership between the two nations. We also explored ways to activate the land, maritime, and air transport sectors according to the signed agreements and to sign new agreements in the fields of transport, agriculture, and trade. I reiterated the invitation extended by the Iraqi Prime Minister to visit Lebanon at a time that he finds suitable."
In response to a question, he said, "We highly appreciate the standing of our brother Iraq always beside Lebanon in all areas, and we thank the Prime Minister for his diligent follow-up on everything that supports Lebanon and helps it overcome the difficult circumstances it faces, especially in terms of providing assistance in many areas, notably in the oil sector to operate power generation stations. We also value the pioneering vision we witness today thanks to the wisdom and vision of President Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani and his government."
Regarding the military file and the Chief of Staff issue, he said, "The Cabinet has made its decision to appoint the Chief of Staff, and the remaining procedures are the subject of follow-up. Our primary goal is to fortify the military institution, and we hope that all political leaders recognize the importance of distancing the military as much as possible from political tensions and disputes."
On the situation in the south, he stated, "The recent field developments call for caution, of course, but we continue to discuss with the relevant parties and the necessary diplomatic contacts to prevent matters from spiraling out of control. We cannot say there are reassurances or guarantees because no one can guarantee the intentions of the Israeli enemy, but we continue our diligent efforts to address the situation."
Regarding the renewal of the mandate for the international forces operating in the south (UNIFIL), he said, "We continue diplomatic communications to secure a calm extension of UNIFIL’s mandate, which we highly value due to its fundamental role in the south and the fruitful cooperation between it and the army. Through the communications we have conducted, we sensed a commitment to maintaining this role, especially in the delicate circumstances the south is experiencing."
**Meetings at the Grand Serail**
The Prime Minister met with National Defense Minister Maurice Sleem at the Grand Serail today to discuss the country’s security situation and issues related to his ministry.
**Foreign Minister**
The Prime Minister also met with Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Minister Abdullah Bou Habib, who stated after the meeting: "I updated Prime Minister Mikati on the results of my meetings in the United States, informing him that there is a near agreement on renewing the mandate of the international peacekeepers operating in southern Lebanon for one year under the same conditions and without any amendments. I set him in the loop regarding the meetings I held with several American and European officials who stressed the importance of not expanding the war in the south and working to prevent military operations from escalating in the region. Therefore, there is a kind of optimism or less pessimism regarding the potential outbreak of a large war on Lebanon."
**As-Samad**
Additionally, the Prime Minister received the Chairman of the National Defense, Interior, and Municipalities Committee, MP Jihad al-Samad, who stated: "We conducted a general overview regarding all local conditions and developments." Mikati also received former Minister Ziad Baroud.
