Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to enhance bilateral relations, focusing on cooperation across sectors. This landmark meeting led to discussions on economic reforms, sovereignty, and regional security, emphasizing the need for a stable Lebanon to attract investment. Aoun’s visit is viewed as a pivotal moment for rekindling ties within the Arab world.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced the establishment of a new phase in Lebanese-Saudi relations following discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During his first visit to Saudi Arabia in eight years, Aoun emphasized the agreement to enhance cooperation across various sectors. He expressed gratitude towards King Salman for his support of Lebanon in a telegram sent before his departure to Cairo.
The meeting held at Al-Yamamah Palace included key Saudi officials such as Ministers of State, Defense, and Foreign Affairs. Both sides focused on strengthening bilateral relations, aiming for future agreements in multiple fields. Aoun and the crown prince conducted a lengthy private session that addressed mutual interests between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
A joint statement underscored the importance of bolstering Arab cooperation and aligning positions on regional and international matters. Key topics included the full implementation of the Taif Agreement, ensuring Lebanese state sovereignty, and the necessity of reform within Lebanon to stimulate economic recovery and attract international support.
As a positive outcome of the meeting, both countries committed to easing trade and travel restrictions. Aoun invited the crown prince to Lebanon, which was positively received. The discussions fostered a mutual understanding of the urgency for reforms in Lebanon to enable necessary support.
The chairman of the Lebanese Executives Council remarked that this exceptional visit presents Lebanon with a chance to strengthen ties with Arab countries, particularly through Saudi Arabia. This relationship may facilitate the return of tourism and investment if Lebanon can ensure a stable environment with proper governance and security measures.
Following his visit to Saudi Arabia, Aoun attended an Arab League summit in Cairo, engaging with various Arab leaders and UN officials to discuss regional stability and the pressing situation in Lebanon. Issues addressed included the presence of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and the need for the return of Syrian refugees, emphasizing Lebanon’s commitment to reforms and sovereignty.
The talks between Lebanese President Aoun and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman mark a significant advancement in Lebanese-Saudi relations, focusing on cooperation and reforms for prosperity. The discussions highlighted important regional security issues and efforts to enhance trade and investment, contingent on Lebanon’s stabilization efforts. Aoun’s visit symbolizes a critical opportunity for Lebanon to repair its ties with Arab nations and seek international support.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
