Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun visited Saudi Arabia to discuss regional issues, culminating in a strong call for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. This marks a significant diplomatic effort to mend ties strained by Iran’s influence. Both leaders emphasized the importance of state authority over arms in Lebanon and the need to support the Lebanese army, promising to explore resuming imports and services between the two countries.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun recently concluded a visit to Saudi Arabia, marking the first trip by a Lebanese head of state to the kingdom in eight years. During his discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, they addressed regional issues, notably calling for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon and asserting that only the Lebanese state should possess weapons.
Aoun’s visit reflects a significant effort to mend relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, which have been strained primarily due to Iran’s influence in Lebanon. Aoun, a former army commander who visited the kingdom multiple times, hopes that this diplomatic engagement will lead to the lifting of the import ban on Lebanese goods and the resumption of travel for Saudi citizens to Lebanon.
Meetings were held at Yamama Palace in Riyadh, where the two leaders discussed enhancing bilateral relations amid challenges posed by Hezbollah’s recent setbacks in its conflict with Israel. While Israel has withdrawn some troops from Lebanon, officials argue that its remaining positions violate ceasefire agreements.
A joint statement called for empowering Lebanese state institutions, emphasizing that only state entities should bear arms, with a focus on supporting the Lebanese army. They also reiterated the need for Israel to completely withdraw from Lebanese territory.
Aoun confirmed ongoing discussions about reinstating a previously suspended $3 billion military assistance package from Saudi Arabia aimed at equipping the Lebanese army. This funding had been halted in 2016 due to Lebanon’s perceived affiliations with Iran.
The leaders agreed to explore solutions for resuming Lebanese imports and facilitating Saudi travel to Lebanon, as well as addressing the Lebanese economy’s distress and necessary reforms called for by the international community. Aoun extended an invitation for Crown Prince Mohammed to visit Lebanon, to which the prince responded positively.
Aoun’s selection as president followed a two-year power vacuum and is seen as a move towards stabilizing relations with Arab nations and enforcing reforms. His leadership, alongside Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, is viewed as a setback for Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon.
The meetings between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman indicate a significant shift towards restoring diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Their discussions included calls for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, the need for state control over arms, and a focus on supporting the Lebanese army and economy. Aoun’s visit as a new president signals potential reforms and regional cooperation, improving prospects for Lebanese-Saudi relations.
Original Source: apnews.com
