Lebanon, Iraq will defeat terrorism -- Pres. Aoun

BEIRUT, Aug 22 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Tuesday that his country and Iraq have been facing a common enemy; terrorism.
The two countries will defeat terrorism with will of the two peoples that renounce it and support the national armed forces, president Aoun said during a reception of the visiting Iraqi Vice President Iyad Allawi.
Aoun stressed on necessity of preserving Iraq's unity, distinctive co-existence among diverse segments of the society, the official statement said.
He expressed keenness on promoting Lebanon's relations with Iraq, noting his desire for greater commercial exchanges, despite difficulties facing ground imports and exports between the two countries due to events in Syria.
The statement quoted Allawi as praising military achievements made by the Lebanese Army in the war against terrorism, affirming support of the Iraqi people for the country.
He was alluding to the Lebanese Army current operation on the eastern borders, where the troops liberated large swaths of barren lands that had been occupied by armed militants.
Allawi briefed the president about the accomplishments by the Iraqi Army against the terrorists at home.
He expressed willingness to tackle any hurdles facing Lebanese entrepreneurs seeking to make business with Iraq.
The Lebanese and Iraqi armies have been involved in mop-up operations against the so-called Islamic State (IS), enlisted as a terrorist organization by super powers. (end) wsm.rk