President Barzani congratulates Lebanon's new leader on election

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Saturday congratulated Joseph Aoun on his election as Lebanon's new president.
 
"I extend my congratulations to His Excellency President General Joseph Aoun on his election as president of the Lebanese Republic, wishing him success in leading Lebanon towards stability and prosperity," Barzani said on X. 

"We reaffirm our aspiration to strengthen cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and Lebanon in a manner that serves our mutual interests," he added. 

Lebanon’s parliament on Thursday elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president after his rival withdrew from the race, ending more than two years of power vacuum in the country that has been divided as a result of sectarianism. 

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also congratulated Aoun on Thursday, wishing him success in "leading Lebanon towards stability and progress."

Late last year, more than 20,000 Lebanese nationals sought refuge in Iraq after their towns and cities came under an Israeli offensive. About half of them have returned home so far, Iraq’s ministry for migration and the displaced said on Saturday.