Lebanese President, Iraqi PM affirm strong bilateral ties after row
4 Min Read
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed Lebanon’s appreciation for Iraq’s supportive stance during times of crisis and affirmed his country’s respect for the Iraqi military and government.
-
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Friday, March 28, 2025 (AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani reaffirmed the strength and depth of Lebanese-Iraqi relations during a phone call on Thursday, stressing their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation across various fields.
According to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister’s media office, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen them in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both countries.
The statement noted that President Aoun clarified to Prime Minister al-Sudani the context and intent of remarks he had previously made that included references to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which had prompted a response from Iraq’s Foreign Ministry.
Aoun expressed Lebanon’s appreciation for Iraq’s supportive stance during times of crisis and affirmed his country’s respect for the Iraqi military and government. "Lebanon values the role of Iraq and the principled positions of its government in standing with the Lebanese people amid various challenges," he said.
Deep historical ties, regional coordination
Both sides emphasized the historic, cultural, and social ties that bind the Lebanese and Iraqi peoples. They also highlighted the importance of joint coordination in addressing the challenges currently facing the region.
In a separate meeting held the same day, Prime Minister al-Sudani received Lebanese lawmaker Qabalan Qabalan, who delivered a message from Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri. The letter expressed gratitude for Iraq’s supportive role in aiding Lebanon.
Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq’s firm support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also underlined the need for coordinated efforts to support Lebanon’s security and launch reconstruction initiatives in affected regions.
For his part, Qabalan expressed Lebanon’s pride in its historic relationship with Iraq and commended Baghdad’s ongoing efforts to support Lebanon. He further described Iraq as a key player in preserving regional stability.
Iraq summons Lebanese ambassador over President's PMF remark
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Lebanese ambassador to Baghdad, Ali Habhab, on Wednesday to express dissatisfaction over recent remarks made by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun concerning Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).
In a statement, the ministry described Aoun's comments, made during an interview with an Arab media outlet, as "inappropriate," particularly his reference to the PMF as an example in Lebanon's internal political and military debate.
Deputy Iraqi Foreign Minister for Bilateral Relations, Ambassador Mohammed Bahr al-Uloom, emphasized during the meeting that "the Popular Mobilization Forces are an essential component of Iraq's security and military framework." He added that the PMF is a legal and government-sanctioned institution operating within the official Iraqi state structure.
Bahr al-Uloom noted that invoking the PMF in the context of Lebanon's internal affairs was misplaced and unnecessary, stating, "It would have been more appropriate to avoid involving Iraq or referencing an official Iraqi institution in this context."
The Iraqi deputy minister also conveyed that the Iraqi public reacted with discomfort to the remarks, especially considering Iraq's consistent support for Lebanon through various crises. He expressed hope that President Aoun would revise or clarify his statements in a way that reinforces the "brotherly relations" between the two countries and respects each nation's internal affairs.
Lebanon affirms brotherly relations
For his part, Ambassador Habhab affirmed the depth of the historical and fraternal relations between Lebanon and Iraq. He pledged to convey Iraq's position to the Lebanese leadership and to work toward addressing the situation in a manner that preserves and strengthens bilateral ties.
President Aoun's remarks came during a Tuesday interview in which he stated that Lebanon "will not replicate the Popular Mobilization Forces model in Iraq" to integrate Hezbollah into the Lebanese Army. He affirmed that Hezbollah would not form an independent unit within the army but suggested that individual members could join and undergo integration training.
It is worth noting that the PMF is formally recognized as part of the Iraqi armed forces. According to Iraqi law, its factions and formations are considered legal entities that support national security. They are entitled to maintain their unique identity and operational role as long as it does not threaten Iraq's national security.
