Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaydi reviewed bilateral relations, developments in the region and the two countries’ shared agenda during their meeting in New York.
Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Rajji and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein also attended the meeting in the city, where the United Nations General Assembly session was underway.
Follow-up on the Baghdad visit and joint projects
The meeting also addressed follow-up on the outcomes of Salam’s visit to Baghdad in July. The two sides focused on developing relations between Lebanon and Iraq as well as on joint projects.
Energy and transport projects, along with efforts to strengthen regional connectivity, were among the main topics discussed.
Shared commitment to state authority
Salam and al-Zaydi reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the authority of the state and its institutions in the face of the shared challenges confronting Lebanon and Iraq.
The two prime ministers said the process of keeping arms under state control should continue in both countries. They described state control of arms as a fundamental element in protecting sovereignty and strengthening stability.
Salam arrived in New York on Sunday to lead the Lebanese delegation attending the high-level meetings of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Al-Zaydi arrived in the city on Monday to lead the Iraqi delegation.