Lebanon and Iraq strengthen cooperation through talks on energy and telecommunications

Sunday 26 July 2026 - 15:30

By: Sahili Aya

Lebanon and Iraq strengthen cooperation through talks on energy and telecommunications

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam traveled to Baghdad on Sunday for high-level talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, as the two neighboring countries sought to deepen cooperation in energy, infrastructure and telecommunications.

The visit reflects renewed efforts by Beirut and Baghdad to expand their economic partnership while addressing regional challenges through closer political and strategic coordination.

High-level delegation focuses on key sectors

Salam was accompanied by a ministerial delegation that included Finance Minister Yassine Jaber, Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi, and Telecommunications Minister Charles Hage.

Following an initial meeting between the two prime ministers, officials from both governments held broader discussions covering a range of bilateral priorities, with particular attention given to economic development, energy cooperation and issues of shared regional interest.

Pipeline project returns to the agenda

One of the principal topics under discussion was the proposed revival of the Kirkuk-Tripoli oil pipeline, a long-standing infrastructure project that would reconnect Iraqi oil fields with Lebanon's Mediterranean coast through Syria.

The pipeline has long been viewed as a strategic initiative capable of enhancing regional energy connectivity, facilitating exports and creating new opportunities for economic cooperation among the countries involved.

Although the project has faced years of political and security-related obstacles, renewed dialogue suggests both governments remain interested in exploring its future viability.

Telecommunications and economic ties

In addition to energy, the discussions focused on expanding collaboration in the telecommunications sector, reflecting both countries' interest in modernizing infrastructure and strengthening digital connectivity.

Officials also reviewed broader opportunities to increase trade, investment and development cooperation as Lebanon and Iraq continue to seek stronger economic integration.

Regional partnership gains momentum

The visit underscores the growing importance of Iraq-Lebanon relations at a time when regional governments are pursuing new avenues for economic collaboration and infrastructure development.

By advancing dialogue on strategic sectors such as energy transport and telecommunications, Baghdad and Beirut aim to reinforce bilateral ties while contributing to broader regional connectivity and long-term economic growth.