BEIRUT, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Labor Minister Mohammad Haidar said Friday that his recent visit to Iraq resulted in the signing of several agreements aimed at boosting labor cooperation, investment, and energy projects.

According to Lebanon's National News Agency, the talks in early August focused on exchanging expertise and setting up joint training programs. Both countries agreed to set up specialized academies in sectors such as hospitality, technology, and construction, and to train Lebanese youth for careers in Iraq's oil industry. Haidar called the initiative "a long-term investment in human capital" that would benefit both countries.

Energy and reconstruction were also high on the agenda. Haidar confirmed that Lebanon and Iraq agreed to accelerate plans to extend oil pipelines from Iraq to Lebanon's Tripoli refinery and will form a trilateral Lebanese-Iraqi-Syrian committee to oversee the project. Iraq also pledged to involve Lebanese firms in upcoming reconstruction efforts.

In addition, as part of humanitarian support, Baghdad will send Lebanon 50,000 tons of wheat in multiple installments, with the first shipment arriving soon at Beirut Port.

Haidar emphasized Lebanon's strengthened labor ties with Iraq, Qatar, and Kuwait, noting that regional cooperation will create new job opportunities for Lebanese workers both at home and abroad.

Haidar, leading an official delegation, visited Iraq in early August. During his visit, he met with several Iraqi officials, including Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani. ■