Lebanon’s President Aoun congratulates Iraq’s Amedi on election

BAGHDAD — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun sent a message of congratulations to Iraqi President Nizar Amedi for his election as president.

According to a statement from the Iraqi presidency’s media office, Aoun said Lebanon’s people and officials remain grateful for Iraq’s ongoing assistance. He also expressed his intention to strengthen joint cooperation between the two countries during what he described as a “delicate phase” both nations are facing.

Iraq has provided fuel shipments and other support to Lebanon in recent years.

Amedi was elected by parliament on Saturday in a second round of voting, receiving 227 votes against 15 for rival Muthanna Amin, after no candidate secured the required two-thirds majority in the first round.

Amedi, born in 1968 in Duhok’s Amedi district, holds a degree in mechanical engineering and served as Iraq’s environment minister from 2022 to 2024. He has been an adviser to the president for 17 years and is a member of the PUK’s political bureau. Under the post-2003 power-sharing system, the presidency is reserved for a Kurdish candidate, with the post having been held by the PUK since 2005.

Under Article 76 of the constitution, Amedi must task the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc with forming a government within 15 days.