Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will visit Saudi Arabia to renew ties and seek support for Lebanon’s financial crisis during his first foreign trip post-election. The discussions will focus on economic cooperation and regional security, particularly regarding Hezbollah and Israel. Additionally, Lebanon hopes to finalize 22 economic agreements to revitalize trade. This visit reflects a potential shift in Saudi-Lebanese relations and aims to strengthen their historic partnership.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will embark on a notable visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday, seeking assistance for Lebanon, which is grappling with a dire financial crisis exacerbated by the ramifications of last year’s conflict with Israel. This marks President Aoun’s inaugural foreign trip since his election on January 9 and is anticipated to prioritize the revitalization of bilateral relations and address Lebanon’s pressing economic challenges, along with regional security concerns, including Israel’s ongoing occupation of southern Lebanese territories.
The discussions are expected to encompass cooperative reconstruction efforts and economic collaboration between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. President Aoun’s visit follows an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, extended shortly after Aoun’s election. The President has stated that Saudi Arabia would be his first international destination, underlining the kingdom’s historical support for Lebanon and reinforcing Beirut’s commitment to Arab unity.
Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Lebanon has been complex, particularly in the wake of Hezbollah’s growing influence and the Iranian-backed group’s antagonism towards Riyadh. This led to a significant downturn in diplomatic and economic relations over the past decade, particularly during former president Michel Aoun’s tenure. The ties were further strained in late 2021 after controversial statements from then-Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi related to the Yemen conflict, resulting in a diplomatic fallout and economic sanctions from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations.
Under the current administration, there is an expectation that Saudi Arabia will ease restrictions and enhance support for Lebanon, which is critical for the recovering economy. Recently, Saudi Arabia has resumed engagement with Lebanon through the Quintet Committee, comprising Qatar, the United States, France, and Egypt, and played a pivotal role in facilitating Aoun’s election, thus concluding a two-year presidential void.
The meeting between President Aoun and Prince Salman aims to ensure that Lebanon ceases to function as a platform for regional conflicts and a source of illicit trade to Gulf states. Additionally, discussions are anticipated to focus on Lebanon’s economic recovery under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, emphasizing deep-rooted reforms that could attract Saudi investments and reconstruct the nation.
Lebanon is negotiating a total of 22 economic agreements with Saudi Arabia, designed to stimulate trade and investment across various sectors, including agriculture, education, and defense. Much of the necessary legal groundwork has been established, and these agreements aim to rejuvenate the once robust trade relationship, which had seen annual exports fluctuate between $700 million and $800 million prior to recent tensions. The revival of trade with Saudi Arabia is deemed vital for Lebanon’s economic rehabilitation, potentially enhancing foreign currency flow and generating employment opportunities.
The recent visit of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud to Beirut symbolizes a critical step toward mending relations and indicates a possible shift in Riyadh’s policy towards Lebanon. This evolving dynamic enhances prospects for rebuilding the bilateral partnership that has historically been significant to both nations.
In conclusion, President Aoun’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia signifies a pivotal attempt to restore and revitalize the historically significant relationship between the two nations. By addressing vital issues such as economic cooperation, reconstruction efforts, and regional security, Lebanon seeks necessary support to overcome its ongoing crisis. The potential for renewed collaboration and investment is essential for Lebanon’s economic recovery and stability, marking a new chapter in Saudi-Lebanese relations.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
