October 18, 2026
In keeping with professional standards, here is the rephrasing of the news in a professional journalistic style:
The issue of confiscating weapons in the hands of the state and enhancing oil cooperation was topped by the discussions of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Youssef Raji, with the President of the Iraqi Republic, Nizar Amidi, on the sidelines of the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to consolidate bilateral relations, in addition to reviewing the latest regional developments. In this context, Minister Raji expressed his deep appreciation for Iraq’s steadfast positions and support for Lebanon, especially its continued supply of fuel to Beirut. He also reaffirmed Lebanon’s position in support of the Iraqi government’s efforts to extend its sovereignty and confine arms to its official institutions, in addition to supporting the path of reform and combating corruption, stressing that Iraq’s stability represents an essential pillar of the security and stability of the entire region in light of the accelerating challenges.
For his part, the Iraqi President stressed the centrality of Lebanon’s stability, strengthening the role of its institutions, extending its sovereignty, and restricting weapons to the state, praising Lebanon’s distinguished human potential and competencies.
On the economic level, Amidi stressed that the Iraqi market is open to Lebanese companies and businessmen for investment, pointing out that Iraq is moving forward on the path of political and economic recovery.
The meeting concluded by discussing the prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in the oil sector, with a focus on studying the possibility of reactivating the strategic oil pipeline extending from Kirkuk through Baniyas to Tripoli, as this project represents a real opportunity to achieve economic integration between the two countries.
