Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun plans to request the resumption of a $3-billion grant from Saudi Arabia for the Lebanese army during his visit next week. This aid, previously halted in 2016, is seen as essential for Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts. Aoun aims to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia, contingent upon Lebanon enacting crucial financial reforms.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun announced that he would request the reactivation of a $3-billion aid package for the Lebanese army during his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia. This request comes after the grant was suspended in 2016 due to Lebanon’s failure to condemn attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. Aoun, a former army commander, is set to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, marking his first official trip abroad since assuming the presidency on January 9.
President Aoun expressed hope for renewed relations with Saudi Arabia, stating that he seeks to strengthen economic and political ties between the two nations. In the past, Saudi Arabia has provided substantial financial support to Lebanon, but geopolitical shifts, including the increasing power of Hezbollah backed by Iran, have complicated these relationships. Recently, a period of significant political changes in the region has transpired, including military actions against Hezbollah and the fall of its ally, Bashar al-Assad.
Regarding Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts, Aoun mentioned that foreign support, especially from Gulf nations, is reliant upon the government committing to necessary financial reforms. He assured that Lebanon is dedicated to implementing these reforms while expressing hopes that reconstruction aid would be delivered in phases, allowing displaced Lebanese to return to their homes amidst ongoing challenges posed by prior Israeli strikes.
In summary, President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon will seek the reinstatement of a significant Saudi grant for the military during his visit to Riyadh. This initiative aims to rebuild Lebanon following extensive destruction and to improve relations with Saudi Arabia, contingent upon ongoing financial reforms by the Lebanese government. Aoun’s optimism for future cooperation highlights the intertwined fates of Lebanon and Saudi Arabia in a complex regional landscape.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
