In a dialogue session, the Head of the Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue and his accompanying delegation discussed with the Ambassador of Lebanon to Iraq, Ali Adib Al-Habhab, avenues for joint cooperation between research centers and cultural and media institutions in both countries. The discussions also explored ways to open new horizons for the exchange of expertise across all levels, particularly in the legal, political, and journalistic fields.
Ambassador Al-Habhab received the Al-Nabaa Forum delegation at the embassy in Baghdad, in the presence of a delegation from the Iraqi Dar al-Iftaa and the Islamic Complex, represented by His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Amer Al-Bayati. The Forum’s delegation comprised its President, journalist Ali Al-Talqani, Adnan Al-Salhi, Ahmed Jweid, Director of Public Relations Uday Al-Hajj, Director of Follow-up Falah Al-Husseini, and several honorary members of the Forum.
During the meeting, Al-Habhab stated, "The similarities between the two brotherly countries of Iraq and Lebanon necessitate the exchange of expertise and experiences to develop the political process, foster democratic growth, dismantle sectarian quotas, and institutionalize the state." He added, "Advancing bilateral relations between the two countries, amidst the grave security and political developments witnessed in the region, is vital for enhancing regional stability. This also underscores the importance of growing bilateral ties and expanding parliamentary and economic cooperation. Given the recent visits of several Lebanese officials to Iraq, it has become imperative for us to work toward the abolition of entry visas between the two countries."
Al-Habhab also expressed "the Lebanese government's keenness to foster communication across various segments of Iraqi society at all levels, particularly concerning dialogue forums, scientific research centers, and cultural, media, and relevant institutions in both countries."
For his part, Al-Talqani explained to the Lebanese Ambassador that "the Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue is a community that seeks to stimulate discussions to generate ideas aimed at supporting and advising government institutions and civil society organizations through its various activities. The Forum comprises over five hundred Iraqi figures, including ministers, members of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, academics, jurists, researchers, clerics, religious scholars, civil activists, media professionals, and other stakeholders in Iraqi and international affairs."
He added, "Since its inception, the Forum has sought to host diplomatic figures from foreign governments, ambassadors, and consulates in Iraq, as well as ministers, parliamentarians, local politicians, and academic, economic, and cultural figures. This effort aims to shed light on the critical issues facing nations and the developments unfolding in the regional and international arenas, amid the numerous transformations the world is currently witnessing."
Speaking to the Al-Nabaa News Agency correspondent, Al-Talqani stated, "During the meeting, a number of important matters were discussed, including the significance of cohesion and the continuity of Iraqi-Lebanese relations, particularly in the cultural and research fields, alongside emphasizing the shared commonalities between the two brotherly peoples. The discussions also addressed the country's potential to provide a conducive environment for broad investment activity driven by urban and industrial development."
He added, "The meeting further explored the possibility of convening cultural and intellectual forums between the institutions and research centers of both countries. It also examined opportunities to facilitate mutual hosting arrangements and identify future discussion topics that align with the work of research centers and cultural and media institutions."
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Excellency Ambassador Al-Habhab expressed his profound thanks and gratitude to the management and members of the Forum for their gracious visit and their kind accompaniment during his hosting in the holy city of Karbala, where an expanded dialogue session was held with him in the presence of several prominent figures from the governorate to discuss Lebanese-Iraqi relations, which we hope will contribute to deepening the ties between our two dear nations and peoples. Concurrently, he called for the development and establishment of cultural exchange programs between intellectual and research institutions in Iraq and Lebanon.