Middle East
Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam speaking to Rudaw on the sidelines of Doha Forum on December 6, 2025.
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Saturday said his country has always enjoyed "excellent" relations with Iraq, adding that a large Kurdish community is present in his country.
"Our old relations with Iraq, our present relations with Iraq, and our future relations with Iraq have, are and will continue to be excellent. They are excellent today and will remain excellent. And you know, there are historical ties between Lebanon and Iraq, and also close relations in terms of many marriages between Lebanon and Iraq," Salam told Rudaw on the sidelines of Doha Forum on Saturday.
"A large number of Kurds live in Lebanon, and their relationship with other Lebanese is one of integration into society and strength," he added.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited Iraq in June and held meetings with the country's leaders.
During the latest Lebanon-Israel conflict, Iraq hosted thousands of Lebanese refugees as "guests of Iraq."
Salam’s remarks come days after Baghdad’s decision to freeze the assets of the Lebanese Hezbollah Movement sparked controversy. The government quickly retracted the decision following media reports.
Iraq held its latest parliamentary elections on November 11 and the winners are in negotiations to form a new government.
The Lebanese prime minster said he is waiting for the formation of the Iraqi government "so that we can resume our relations with our Iraqi brothers."
Sangar Abdulrahman contributed to this article from Doha, Qatar.
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