Lebanese Minister of Labor Mohammad Haidar affirmed on Sunday that the recent understanding with Iraq aims to strengthen integration between the two countries through the exchange of expertise and training—not employment or labor deployment, as some media outlets and social platforms have suggested.

In a statement from his office, Haidar said:

“In light of what has been circulated following my official visit to the brotherly Republic of Iraq, I find it my duty to clarify the facts to the Lebanese and Iraqi public.”

He explained that:

“Lebanon and Iraq are two brotherly nations bound by deep historical and humanitarian ties. Through this cooperation, we seek to enhance integration between our countries’ expertise, allowing each side to benefit from the other’s strengths.”

The Lebanese Minister of Labor added:

“The agreement with Iraqi Minister of Labor Ahmed Al-Asadi focuses on exchanging expertise and training—not employment or labor deployment.”

He emphasized that:

“Lebanon will offer its extensive experience in services, tourism, and the management of restaurants and hotels to our brothers in Iraq, as this sector plays a vital role in stimulating the economy and creating investment opportunities.”

He continued:

“Iraq is a distinguished oil-producing country with pioneering experience in oil and gas extraction and management—fields in which Lebanon lacks expertise.

Benefiting from Iraq’s experience is a gain for Lebanese youth, who will train under Iraqi experts and acquire the knowledge needed to invest in natural resources in the future.”

Haidar expressed regret over:

“Attempts by some to distort this constructive understanding and portray it in reverse—as if the proposal was to employ Iraqis in Lebanon in exchange for employing Lebanese in the oil sector.”

He stressed that:

“This claim is false and was never made by me in any form.”

He confirmed:

“We are talking about training and exchange of expertise—not recruitment or job exchange.”

He emphasized that:

“Any cooperation between Lebanon and Iraq is based on mutual respect and the integration of capabilities, without diminishing either side.

Bringing together the energies of Lebanese and Iraqi youth serves the interests of both countries.”

The Lebanese minister concluded by saying:

“The goal of the Ministry of Labor is to serve the youth, first and foremost. I call on the media and the public to approach the matter with accuracy and responsibility and to be cautious of misleading campaigns that harm the fraternal relationship between the two nations.”