Lebanon’s President Aoun to Enhance Ties with Saudi Arabia in Landmark Visit
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will visit Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties and seek support amidst a financial crisis. This marks Aoun’s first foreign trip following his election in January. The agenda includes discussions on economic recovery, regional security, and revitalizing bilateral relations. Saudi Arabia has historically supported Lebanon but relations have deteriorated, necessitating renewed cooperation and dialogue.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to make a significant visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday. This trip marks his inaugural foreign tour following his election on January 9th and aims to garner support for Lebanon, which is currently grappling with a severe financial crisis exacerbated by the aftermath of last year’s conflict with Israel. The agenda will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, addressing Lebanon’s economic challenges, and discussing regional security, particularly the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanese territories.
The historical context of Saudi-Lebanese relations illustrates a complex dynamic, with Saudi Arabia playing a pivotal role in Lebanon’s political history, notably through the mediation of the 1989 Taif Agreement that concluded Lebanon’s fifteen-year civil war. Over the years, Saudi Arabia has also been a primary financial supporter of Lebanon, leading to substantial Saudi tourism to the country. However, relations soured in the last decade, particularly under former President Michel Aoun, due to Hezbollah’s growing political influence and its antagonistic stance towards Riyadh.
The deterioration escalated significantly in late 2021, following controversial comments made by then-Minister George Kordahi regarding Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the Yemeni conflict. Subsequently, Saudi Arabia withdrew its ambassador from Beirut, expelled Lebanon’s envoy, and encouraged other Gulf states to follow suit. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia imposed restrictions on Lebanese food exports and advised its citizens against traveling to Lebanon, citing security concerns, driving home the need for renewed dialogue.
Currently, Lebanon seeks to lift these sanctions under President Aoun’s leadership, as he emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s foundational role in Lebanese support and Arab unity. Moreover, Saudi Arabia has re-engaged with Lebanese affairs through the Quintet Committee, which involves significant international players, and played a crucial role in Aoun’s election, thereby ending a presidential vacuum that had persisted for two years.
In light of Hezbollah’s declining influence following recent conflicts, Saudi Arabia is expected to increase its involvement in Lebanon’s future. Discussions between President Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are anticipated to safeguard that Lebanon does not serve as a bastion for regional conflicts or illicit exports to Gulf nations, while also fostering economic recovery under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s leadership.
Economic agreements between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia are in progress, with 22 agreements being finalized that span sectors such as trade, agriculture, and transportation. These collaborations could significantly boost bilateral economic relations, counteracting the financial losses incurred since trade fell off due to heightened tensions. Prior to the deterioration, Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia attained values between $700 million and $800 million annually.
Restoring trade relations with Saudi Arabia stands as a pivotal component for Lebanon’s economic rehabilitation, potentially facilitating foreign currency intake, increasing public and private sector confidence, and creating employment opportunities. A notable indicator of thawing relations was the visit of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud to Beirut, the first high-level Saudi visit in fifteen years, suggesting a potential restoration of partnership between the two nations.
In conclusion, President Aoun’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia signifies a crucial step towards revitalizing Lebanese-Saudi relations, addressing pressing economic and security challenges. The discussions will focus on restoring trade ties, encouraging foreign investment, and fostering cooperation to improve Lebanon’s dire economic situation. As both nations navigate their historical complexities, this visit could lay the groundwork for a renewed partnership and a brighter future for Lebanon.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
