Lebanon’s President Aoun to Undertake Significant Visit to Saudi Arabia
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will visit Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties and seek support amid Lebanon’s financial crisis. The discussions will focus on economic cooperation, regional security, and reconstruction efforts. This visit marks Aoun’s first international trip since his election, highlighting the importance of Saudi Arabia in Lebanon’s historical context. Recent economic agreements aim to restore trade relations, critical for Lebanon’s recovery.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to embark on a notable visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday. This marks his inaugural foreign trip since his election on January 9. During this visit, he is anticipated to seek support for Lebanon, which is currently facing a severe financial crisis compounded by the aftermath of last year’s conflict with Israel.
The discussions will aim to enhance bilateral relations, tackle Lebanon’s economic challenges, and address security dynamics in the region, especially concerning Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanese territories. Additionally, reconstruction efforts and economic collaborations will be on the agenda.
Aoun’s visit follows an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who extended the offer shortly after Aoun’s election. The President has highlighted Saudi Arabia as his primary destination, citing the kingdom’s long-standing support for Lebanon and a commitment to Arab solidarity.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in Lebanon’s political landscape. The kingdom was instrumental in mediating the 1989 Taif Agreement, which successfully ended Lebanon’s 15-year civil war. For years, Saudi Arabia was a leading financial supporter of Lebanon, fostering significant tourism from Saudi nationals.
However, relations began to deteriorate under former President Michel Aoun, primarily due to Hezbollah’s increasing influence in Lebanese affairs and its antagonistic stance toward Riyadh. This tension led to a significant diplomatic and economic freeze, culminating in late 2021 with derogatory remarks by Lebanese Minister George Kordahi towards Saudi Arabia, which caused a host of Gulf nations to sever ties.
In light of these developments, Lebanon hopes that the new administration in Beirut will lead to the lifting of various restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia, thereby alleviating the hardships faced by the Lebanese economy.
Recently, Saudi Arabia has resumed involvement in Lebanese matters through the Quintet Committee, which features Qatar, the United States, France, and Egypt. With ongoing shifts in Hezbollah’s power dynamics, it is expected that Saudi Arabia will exercise a more significant role in shaping Lebanon’s future.
Aoun’s meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince will focus on ensuring that Lebanon ceases to be a platform for regional disputes or a source of illicit exports. Concurrently, discussions will revolve around economic recovery efforts spearheaded by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who aims to implement substantial reforms.
Lebanon is optimistic about attracting Saudi investments, securing reconstruction aid, and revitalizing trade relations, including the potential lifting of the Saudi travel ban. 22 economic agreements are being finalized, covering various sectors, including trade, agriculture, and education.
These agreements aim to revitalize trade and investment between the two nations, which had previously seen Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia range between $700 million and $800 million annually before souring relations. The loss of trade has severely impacted Lebanon, particularly since the economic collapse in 2019. Reopening trade with Saudi Arabia is deemed vital for Lebanon’s economic recovery.
A visit by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud to Beirut earlier this year marked a significant diplomatic return for the kingdom and signifies a potential turning point in Saudi-Lebanese relations, thereby bolstering hopes for a renewed partnership.
In summary, President Aoun’s anticipated visit to Saudi Arabia signifies a pivotal step toward revitalizing relations and addressing Lebanon’s pressing economic issues. Given the historical significance of Saudi support for Lebanon, the focus on reconstruction and economic agreements holds promise for the future. The renewed commitment from both nations may lead to strengthened ties and improved economic prospects for Lebanon.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
