Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia' al-Sudani welcomed Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and his delegation to Baghdad on Sunday morning. 

The official reception at the government palace included an honor guard and the national anthems of Lebanon and Iraq.

Sudani and Mikati held bilateral talks focusing on strengthening relations between Iraq and Lebanon, enhancing economic partnerships, and a bilateral agreement on the supply of Iraqi oil to Lebanon. 

They also discussed regional issues and recent political and security developments. The leaders made efforts to resolve delays in the recognition of academic degrees for Iraqi students, caused by past health and economic difficulties in Lebanon.

Sudani stressed that Iraq’s stance towards Lebanon is based on bonds of commitment and brotherhood between the two nations and Iraq’s regional and international responsibilities. 

He called for an end to aggression against Lebanon and Palestine and emphasized the importance of preventing the regional conflict from escalating and taking more innocent lives.

Mikati expressed gratitude for Sudani’s efforts and the steps taken by the Iraqi government to support economic relations with Lebanon. 

He renewed his invitation for Sudani to visit Lebanon and praised Iraq’s efforts to foster regional and international stability.

Mikati also confirmed the ongoing commitment to economic and trade exchange agreements and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors of both countries. 

He mentioned the possibility of projects, including establishing Iraqi industrial estates in Lebanon and diversifying mutual investment opportunities.

Mikati highlighted his government's aim to bolster security cooperation with Iraq in combating terrorism and drug trafficking. 

He also emphasized the importance of completing preparations for the joint economic committee meeting between the two countries scheduled for the end of September.