Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss improving relations, emphasizing the need for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon. They advocated for state-controlled arms and aimed to revive military aid and trade between the two countries. Aoun’s election is seen as a turning point in Lebanon’s foreign relations, particularly with Arab nations.
Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun recently concluded a visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During their discussions, they emphasized the need for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon and affirmed that only the Lebanese state should be authorized to possess weapons. This visit is largely viewed as a step towards improving diplomatic and economic relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, following a period of tension due to Lebanon’s alignment with Iran.
Aoun’s previous interactions with Saudi Arabia date back to his tenure as army commander, and there is optimism that his current role will facilitate the lifting of a ban on Lebanese imports to Saudi Arabia and restore the flow of Saudi tourists to Lebanon. The Saudi Press Agency reported that Aoun’s meetings involved talks about bolstering bilateral ties and addressing the regional situation.
This visit is significant, following a challenging 14-month conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel, which resulted in heavy losses for Hezbollah. While Israel withdrew a number of troops from Lebanon in February, it has yet to vacate certain positions, which Lebanese officials consider a breach of the ceasefire.
A joint statement from the Aoun-Salman summit underscored that only state institutions in Lebanon should have the right to bear arms and indicated support for the Lebanese army. Aoun also mentioned plans to revive a $3 billion aid package for the Lebanese military that had been suspended in light of Lebanon’s supportive stance towards Iran.
The two leaders agreed to address challenges hindering the resumption of Lebanese imports to Saudi Arabia and explore measures for facilitating Saudi tourism to Lebanon. Furthermore, the statement advocated for economic reforms to heal Lebanon’s enduring financial crisis and called for adherence to international reform demands.
Aoun extended an invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed to visit Lebanon, which the prince accepted. Aoun’s election, following a two-year vacuum in Lebanon’s presidency, alongside Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, represents a shift aimed at revitalizing relations with Arab nations and implementing much-needed reforms. The newly elected leaders are perceived as a setback for Hezbollah.
President Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks a crucial effort to strengthen ties between the two nations, advocating for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon and promoting the legitimacy of the Lebanese army. The revival of military support and discussions on economic collaboration indicates a potential thawing of relations following years of tension. Both leaders are committed to addressing economic reforms vital for Lebanon’s recovery, portraying a collaborative approach moving forward.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
