Iraq–Lebanon relations

The following refers to international bilateral relations between Iraq and Lebanon.

Bilateral relations

Iraqi-Lebanese relations

Iraq |
Lebanon

## Historical relations

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This section relies largely or entirely on a single source. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help improve this article by introducing citations to additional sources.
Find sources: "Iraq–Lebanon relations" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (April 2025)

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Iraqi–Lebanese relations have been close throughout history, both politically and culturally. Iraq and Lebanon have maintained diplomatic relations since 1943. Both countries refused to recognize Israel and recognized the State of Palestine.[citation needed]

Iraq, under the regime of Saddam Hussein, the leader of the Ba'ath Party, had strong relations with Bachir, and Amine Gemayel.[citation needed]

Lebanon's prime minister traveled to Baghdad in August 2008, which was the only third such visit by a top Arab leader since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Fuad Saniora called his one-day trip an opportunity to renew contact after more than a decade of chilly relations between Beirut and Baghdad. At a news conference alongside Saniora, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said the two countries would sign several agreements soon, including one on Iraq exporting oil to Lebanon.[1]

Lebanon's majority leader, Saad Hariri visited Iraq in July 2008, followed by Jordan's King Abdullah II, the first Arab head of state to fly to Baghdad since the 2003 war.[2]

Relations between Lebanon and Iraq soured in the mid-1990s after Iraqi agents killed a dissident in Beirut. But the two maintained embassies in each other's capitals even after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.[1]

## Political relations

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Both countries are members of the Arab League and the Group of 77.

## Cultural relations

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This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (April 2025)

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Some figures in the Shiite political party and paramilitary group Hezbollah have close personal ties with the religious hierarchy in Najaf, and some Lebanese Shiites trace their family origins back to Iraq.[citation needed]

In 2023, both countries lifted visa requirements for their citizens.[3][4]

## Military relations

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This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (April 2025)

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In December 2021, Lebanon and Iraq signed a defense-related memorandum of understanding, related to developing bilateral military relations between the two countries.[5]

## Economic relations

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This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (April 2025)

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On 29 March 2025, Iraq agreed to extend its fuel supply agreement with Lebanon for another six months to help alleviate Lebanon’s ongoing power crisis. The deal, initially established in July 2021, involves Iraq supplying heavy fuel oil in exchange for Lebanese services, including healthcare for Iraqi citizens. Lebanon then swaps the fuel for gas oil to run its struggling power plants, which have faced worsening shortages amid the country’s financial crisis.[6]

As of August 16th, 2024, there are currently 900 Lebanese companies operating in Iraq, with 600 in the capital of Baghdad and 300 in the Kurdistan Region[7]

## See also

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* Iraqis in Lebanon
* Foreign relations of Iraq
* Foreign relations of Lebanon

## References

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1. ^ a b http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/world/2008/08/20/D92LV3R80_iraq/index.html [dead link]
2. ^ "Jordan's Abdullah first Arab leader to visit Iraq". ABC News. 11 August 2008. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
3. ^ "Lebanon lifts visa requirements for Iraqi citizens". 10 September 2022.
4. ^ "Iraq lifts visa requirements for Lebanese citizens". 3 March 2023.
5. ^ "Lebanon and Iraq ink defense cooperation agreement – Al-Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East". al-monitor.com. Retrieved 29 December 2021.
6. ^ El-Din, Menaa Alaa; Maher, Hatem (29 March 2025). "Iraq agrees to supply Lebanon with fuel for six months". Reuters. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
7. ^ Lee, John (16 August 2024). "900 Lebanese Companies Operating in Iraq". iraq-businessnews. Retrieved 13 June 2025.

## External links

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* Lebanese PM visits Baghdad to discuss Trade
* Iraqi government will provide Lebanon with oil at preferential rates

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Foreign relations of Lebanon

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Foreign relations of Iraq

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* Diplomatic missions of Iraq / in Iraq

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* Foreign aid to Iraq

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