Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited Saudi Arabia, discussing regional stability, Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, and support for the Lebanese army. This visit signifies progress in Lebanese-Saudi relations, strained over Iran’s influence. Aoun and Saudi officials aim to restore military aid, facilitate Lebanese imports, and promote tourism between the two countries.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun completed a significant visit to Saudi Arabia, marking the first by a Lebanese head of state in eight years. Aoun and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met in Riyadh to discuss regional matters, emphasizing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the notion that only the Lebanese state may possess weapons. This visit indicates an effort to improve previously strained relations due to Iran’s influence in Lebanon.
During the visit, discussions included reviving the strained ties fostered through Aoun’s prior role as army commander, with hopes to lift the Lebanese import ban and facilitate travel for Saudi citizens to Lebanon. The summit concluded with statements supporting the Lebanese army and insisting on Israeli withdrawal from all territories in Lebanon.
Aoun also addressed Saudi news outlets about reactivating a $3 billion military aid package for the Lebanese army, which was halted in 2016 due to Lebanon’s alignment with Iran during rising tensions. The leaders agreed to explore obstacles affecting the resumption of Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia and the necessary actions to allow greater tourism from Saudi Arabia to Lebanon.
Furthermore, Aoun invited Crown Prince Mohammed to visit Lebanon, an invitation that the crown prince welcomed. Both Aoun and new Prime Minister Nawaf Salam aim to repair relations with Arab nations and carry out necessary reforms. Their election is viewed as a setback for Hezbollah’s political influence in Lebanon.
The visit of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Saudi Arabia is a critical step towards mending relations between the two nations, previously strained by Iran’s presence in Lebanon. The discussions centered on regional stability, the need for Israeli withdrawal, and reviving military support for Lebanon’s armed forces. Both nations expressed commitment to tackling economic challenges and implementing necessary reforms for a brighter future in Lebanese-Saudi relations.
Original Source: apnews.com
