Lebanese President Aoun’s Diplomatic Visit to Saudi Arabia
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited Saudi Arabia to reinforce bilateral relations, receiving official welcome from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Discussions focused on improving cooperation and addressing regional developments. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced government reforms aimed at enhancing public services and security in Lebanon, while also addressing ongoing security concerns related to gang violence and Israeli military actions along the border.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on Monday that his visit to Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen the already deep bilateral relations. He expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s contributions to Lebanon’s stability and various forms of support. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, officially welcomed Aoun at Al-Yamamah Palace, where they discussed current developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as strategies to enhance cooperation between the two nations.
During his first official trip abroad as president, Aoun emphasized the importance of his discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expressing hope that these conversations would lead to a deeper alliance between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. He acknowledged, “This is an opportunity to express gratitude to the Kingdom for hosting Lebanese individuals who have come to it years ago and contributed to its urban and economic development.”
Aoun arrived in Riyadh in the afternoon with Foreign Minister Youssef Raji and is set to proceed to Cairo for an extraordinary Arab summit. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam highlighted the government’s reform initiatives in a meeting with the Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan following last week’s vote of confidence in Lebanon’s new government.
Salam reaffirmed the government’s mission to end Israeli military operations in Lebanon and improve public services, stating, “Our primary concern will be the welfare of the Lebanese people, alleviating their burdens…” He assured that restoring essential services, including water and electricity, is a priority. Salam committed to appointing qualified individuals to fill vacancies and addressing longstanding issues, particularly the plight of detainees.
The Interior Ministry reinforced security measures after a recent shooting incident in Burj Al-Barajneh, which resulted in the death of an innocent bystander. The local mayor urged that decisive action is needed to combat lawlessness stemming from gang violence, saying, “Swift action, with an iron fist, is urgently needed.” He stressed the necessity for the military and security forces to protect citizens from armed threats and to restore public order.
In border developments, Israeli gunfire injured a Lebanese citizen in Kfar Kila while also prompting new military maneuvers. The Israeli military enforced restrictions, raising an earthen barrier near Odaisseh and detaining a local farmer briefly. Following these incidents, an Israeli military drone circulated the Tyre district, disseminating audio accusing Hezbollah of hindering the Lebanon Army’s compliance with UN Resolution 1701.
President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia underscores the significance of Lebanese-Saudi relations. His discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signal a commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing regional challenges. Concurrently, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government is focused on reform, security, and improving living conditions in Lebanon amidst ongoing tensions with Israel and domestic lawlessness.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
