Saudi Arabia is reviewing its ban on Lebanese imports and lifting travel restrictions for its citizens following a meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The import restrictions were imposed due to drug smuggling concerns, while travel bans resulted from strained relations. Recent discussions also included military aid reactivation and Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon, indicating a shift in diplomatic ties.
Saudi Arabia is set to reconsider its ban on imports from Lebanon and lift travel restrictions for its citizens following discussions between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Riyadh. This meeting marked Aoun’s first official trip abroad since taking office in January and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s renewed interest in Lebanese politics amidst the diminished power of Hezbollah after recent conflicts.
Saudi Arabia will analyze the “obstacles” hindering the resumption of imports from Lebanon, a crucial economic partner that accounted for over 22% of Lebanese agricultural exports in 2019. The kingdom’s import ban, instituted in April 2021, was officially justified due to allegations regarding drug smuggling through shipments from Lebanon, claiming a lack of action from Beirut to combat this issue.
Moreover, travel restrictions that necessitate Saudi government approval for citizens to visit Lebanon stem from strained diplomatic relations. The joint statement from both nations also reiterated the significance of Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon, an ongoing geopolitical concern amidst regional tensions.
President Aoun expressed intentions to facilitate military aid reactivation from Saudi Arabia, referencing a previous $3 billion military support plan that was halted in 2016 due to concerns over Hezbollah’s influence. This development suggests potential shifts in the geopolitical landscape in light of evolving relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, aiming for closer cooperation moving forward.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s willingness to reassess import and travel restrictions signifies a potential thaw in relations with Lebanon. The emphasis on removing obstacles for trade could have positive economic implications for Lebanon. This diplomatic engagement also suggests a broader strategy to counter Iranian influence in the region as Hezbollah’s power wanes. Furthermore, discussions about military aid reflect changing dynamics in Lebanon’s security environment amidst ongoing Israeli occupation issues.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
