Saudi Arabia is reviewing its ban on Lebanese imports and travel for its nationals following a key meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The discussions aim to identify barriers to trade and explore resuming Saudi aid to Lebanon’s military. This visit, Aoun’s first as president, emphasizes the renewed interest by Saudi Arabia in Lebanese politics.
Saudi Arabia is re-evaluating its import restrictions on Lebanon and the travel ban on its citizens following a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This meeting marks Aoun’s first international trip as president since his inauguration in January. The two governments intend to address barriers to exports from Lebanon and the necessary steps to facilitate travel for Saudi nationals to Lebanon.
The Saudi Kingdom had previously halted imports of Lebanese fruits and vegetables in April 2021 due to alleged drug smuggling concerns. In 2019, Saudi Arabia accounted for over 22% of Lebanese agricultural exports. Strained relations since 2021 require Saudis to seek government authorization before traveling to Lebanon, which complicates these trade and travel dynamics.
Additionally, the two nations discussed the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory, as stipulated in a ceasefire agreement. Despite earlier commitments, Israeli officials stated they would maintain a military presence in a designated “buffer zone” following the expiration of a withdrawal deadline. Aoun’s diplomatic efforts also include seeking the revival of halted military aid from Saudi Arabia to Lebanon’s armed forces, which was suspended in 2016 due to Hezbollah’s influence.
Aoun’s visit represents a significant diplomatic development, being the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to Riyadh in eight years, reflecting renewed Saudi engagement with Lebanon’s political landscape.
The meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signals a potential thaw in relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is considering lifting its restrictions on Lebanese imports and travel, while also addressing security concerns related to Hezbollah’s influence. Diplomatic discussions about the Israeli military presence in Lebanon are also part of the broader dialogue between the two nations.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
