Baghdad – In an effort to strengthen bilateral ties between Iraq and Lebanon, Head of Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue, Ali Al-Talaqani, and an accompanying delegation met with Lebanese Ambassador to Iraq, Ali Adeeb Al-Habhab, at the embassy in Baghdad. The talks focused on encouraging joint cooperation among research centers, think tanks, and cultural and media institutions, as well as establishing expanded avenues for exchanging expertise across various levels, particularly in the legal, political, and journalistic fields.
Ambassador Al-Habhab welcomed the delegation in the presence of representatives from the Iraqi Dar al-Ifta and the Islamic Complex, led by His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Amer Al-Bayati. Al-Nabaa delegation included Head of the Forum Ali Al-Talaqani, Adnan Al-Salehi, Ahmed Jwaid, Public Relations Director Oday Al-Haj, Follow-up Director Falah Al-Hussainy, and several honorary Forum members.
During the meeting, the Lebanese Ambassador pointed out, "The similarities between the two brotherly nations necessitate the exchange of expertise and experiences to advance the political process, promote democracy, dismantle sectarian quotas, and institutionalize the state." He emphasized that strengthening bilateral relations between Iraq and Lebanon, amid regional security and political developments, contributes to greater stability. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of expanding parliamentary and economic cooperation, noting that previous visits by Lebanese officials to Iraq warrant working toward the removal of visa requirements between the two countries.
Al-Habhab affirmed the Lebanese government's keenness to engage with various segments of Iraqi society at all levels, particularly regarding dialogue forums, research centers, and cultural and media institutions, to enhance mutual cooperation.
For his part, Al-Talaqani explained that "Al-Nabaa Forum is a community dedicated to stimulating debates and generating ideas to support government institutions and civil society organizations, providing them with counsel through diverse initiatives." He noted that the Forum comprises over 500 Iraqi figures, including ministers, members of parliament, academics, legal experts, researchers, clerics, civil activists, and media professionals, in addition to international figures connected to Iraqi affairs.
He added that the Forum seeks to host diplomats, ministers, lawmakers, academics, and cultural figures to shed light on critical issues facing nations, as well as regional and global shifts.
Al-Talaqani detailed that the meeting addressed several important issues, including the need to sustain and strengthen Iraqi-Lebanese relations, especially in the cultural and research fields, while focusing on the commonalities between the two peoples. Discussions also covered both countries' potential to provide a conducive environment for investment through urban and industrial projects. Additionally, both parties explored the possibility of holding joint cultural and intellectual forums between institutions and research centers in both nations, facilitating reciprocal visits, and establishing future discussion agendas that align with the operations of these organizations.
Concluding the meeting, Ambassador Al-Habhab expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Forum's leadership and members for their visit and continued engagement. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing cultural communication programs between intellectual and research institutions in Iraq and Lebanon, thereby deepening the ties between the two nations and their peoples.