Hani's Series of Meetings in Iraq... Here Is What Was Discussed

Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani conducted a series of official and commercial meetings in Baghdad during a 24-hour working visit, aimed at following up on the export of Lebanese apples to the Iraqi market and enhancing agricultural cooperation between the two countries, while also discussing the facilitation of financial transfers related to trade movements.

The visit comes as a continuation of the roadmap established by the Ministry of Agriculture to market Lebanese apples and expand their external markets, helping to dispose of the harvest and improve returns for farmers. Hani was accompanied by Director General of Agriculture Engineer Louis Louhoud and representatives from the Lebanese Union of Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, while Lebanese Ambassador to Iraq Khalil Abdullah Muhammad participated in the meetings.

Hani and his delegation were received at the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, under the direction of Iraqi Minister of Agriculture Abdul Rahim Jasim Al-Shammari, with the presence of the Lebanese Ambassador. The reception delegation included Dr. Hadi Hashim Al-Yasiri, Director General of the Public Seed Company "Between the Rivers," Dr. Bassam Kan'an Abdul Jabbar, Director General of the Directorate of Forests and Combating Desertification, and a number of specialists.

During his meeting with his Iraqi counterpart, Hani discussed ways to increase agricultural exchange and facilitate the movement of products between the two countries, focusing on expanding the presence of Lebanese apples and Lebanese agricultural products in the Iraqi market. In return, they sought to enhance Lebanon's import of Iraqi agricultural products, particularly dates, fodder, and wheat, supporting a balanced commercial partnership that benefits from integration opportunities between the sectors.

The discussions covered import requirements and procedures to facilitate the flow of shipments and address practical obstacles facing exporters and importers, alongside strengthening direct communication between relevant authorities in both countries. This allows for building regular cooperation channels and provides producers and exporters with greater clarity in planning production and marketing.

Hani invited Minister Al-Shammari to participate in the "Agri Lebanon" event scheduled for the end of next November. Both sides also discussed preparations for convening the joint Lebanese-Iraqi Agricultural Committee and following up on efforts to revive the quadrilateral agricultural agreement between Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria, aiming to enhance agricultural and commercial integration and support food security in the region.

During the meeting, Hani expressed Lebanon's thanks and appreciation to Iraq, its leadership, government, and people, for standing by its side during difficult times, affirming that "the solid fraternal relations between the two countries form a basis for expanding cooperation and transforming it into projects and economic opportunities that benefit both peoples."

In the context of addressing financial aspects related to commercial exchange, Hani and his delegation held meetings with several officials and managers at the Central Bank of Iraq and financial experts, discussing practical solutions to facilitate transfers through banks and support trade movements between Lebanon and Iraq.

The delegation also met with the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Baghdad, discussing ways the organization could contribute to supporting joint agricultural cooperation.

Regarding engagement with the private sector, the visit included meetings with Iraqi importers and company representatives, including the manager of Thabani Company, to discuss increasing imports of Lebanese agricultural products and expanding commercial partnerships in the upcoming phase, linking export opportunities with the needs of the Iraqi market.

Hani affirmed that "the integration of efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Lebanese diplomatic mission, and the private sector constitutes an essential element for opening markets and keeping pace with exporters," stressing that "the goal of the visit is to achieve practical results that serve farmers and producers."