Beirut: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, on Wednesday affirmed the strength of Lebanese-Iraqi relations during a meeting at Baabda Palace with the special envoy of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, praising Iraq's continued support for Lebanon.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Aoun noted that the $20 million reconstruction initiative announced by the Iraqi prime minister at the Baghdad Arab Summit last May helped trigger broader Arab and international assistance, stressing that the return of southern residents to their towns remains a national priority.

Iraqi envoy Hassan Al-Awadi conveyed Baghdad's commitment to implementing its pledges, announcing the opening of a follow-up office at the Iraqi Embassy in Beirut. The meeting was attended by Director General of General Security Major General Hassan Choucair, who underlined cooperation between the two countries.

Separately, President Aoun received Saudi Ambassador Walid Bukhari and signed a decree calling Parliament to an extraordinary session from January 2 to March 1, 2026, to examine the 2026 budget and pending legislation.