Lebanese President Aims to Rebuild Ties with Saudi Arabia During Key Visit
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun visited Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties after years of strained relations. This significant visit follows tension due to the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Aoun aims to lift a travel ban and restore trade, while emphasizing the importance of Lebanese-Saudi relations. He also highlighted Saudi support for the Lebanese army amid security concerns and reconstruction efforts.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun expressed his aspiration to enhance relations with Saudi Arabia during his first visit to the kingdom in six years. This visit marks a significant diplomatic gesture, as Saudi Arabia has harbored concerns regarding the Iranian-backed militant group, Hezbollah, and Lebanon’s stances on various regional matters. The visit aims to rejuvenate relations after a period of diplomatic tension that included a travel and import ban on Lebanon by Saudi Arabia.
Aoun, elected as Lebanon’s president earlier this year, is the first leader from Lebanon to visit Riyadh since 2017. His position, along with the appointment of Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister, is perceived as a setback for Hezbollah’s influence. Lebanon seeks to convince Saudi Arabia to lift travel restrictions and restore trade ties, aiding the nation’s post-war recovery efforts, particularly in regions devastated by the conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel.
During the visit, President Aoun emphasized the historical importance of Lebanese-Saudi relations and expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s contributions to Lebanon’s stability and the functioning of its institutions. The relationship encountered serious strain in 2021, particularly after criticism of Lebanon’s handling of drug smuggling and controversial remarks from Lebanon’s information minister regarding Saudi involvement in Yemen.
In prior comments, Aoun indicated that Saudi Arabia intends to reactivate a $3 billion assistance package for the Lebanese military, a crucial part of strengthening the armed forces amidst ongoing regional security dynamics. The visit coincides with a wider thawing of relations, highlighted by the recent trip of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to Beirut.
President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal moment for Lebanon as it seeks to mend its historically strained relations with the kingdom. Strengthening these ties is essential for Lebanon’s recovery and stability, particularly in light of previous diplomatic rifts and the pressing need for military and economic support from Saudi Arabia.
Original Source: www.wral.com
