President Joseph Aoun is visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time since his election, aiming to mend strained relations between Lebanon and the Kingdom. His promises to address internal corruption and governmental control over arms are welcomed by Saudi officials, who express optimism for Lebanon’s future. His visit could lead to lifted travel bans and renewed investments.
Saudi Arabia anticipates a renewal of its diplomatic relationship with Lebanon as President Joseph Aoun is set to arrive in Riyadh. This marks his inaugural international visit following his election on January 9. The relationship between the two nations has soured significantly since the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, which was attributed to Hezbollah. While Saudi Arabia has not officially severed ties, the warmth has dwindled due to Hezbollah’s vocal provocations and involvement in various conflicts.
President Aoun’s election appears to have occurred independently of Hezbollah and the Assad regime, indicating notable shifts in local power dynamics. His visit aims to revitalize the relationship with Saudi Arabia, where a substantial Lebanese community resides. One potential outcome of his visit could also be the lifting of travel restrictions on Saudis heading to Lebanon.
In his inaugural address, President Aoun pledged to combat corruption and emphasize government control over military matters. He also assured Gulf nations that Lebanon would strive to export its best products. These reaffirmations have resonated positively, with former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki Al-Faisal expressing hope for the changes occurring in Lebanon.
The former prince noted that the Kingdom fully supports Lebanon’s parliamentary proceedings. He pointed out that Lebanese citizens are weary of being used as pawns by various factions. Additionally, he mentioned that many Saudis are eager to return to Lebanon and explore investment opportunities there.
The sentiments from Prince Turki were echoed by Dr. Fawzi Kabbara, the Lebanese ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who described Aoun’s visit as a pivotal moment for Lebanese-Saudi relations. He emphasized that Saudi support is crucial for Lebanon’s future, supplying the nation with hope and opportunities for recovery. The anticipated visit from President Aoun may enhance relations further, although the path to Lebanon’s recovery remains fraught with challenges, underscoring the need for strong international support for the new president.
In summary, President Joseph Aoun’s forthcoming visit to Saudi Arabia is poised to revitalize the historically strained relations between Lebanon and the Kingdom. His administration’s commitment to governance reform and economic revitalization has been positively received, especially by key Saudi figures. With substantial hopes for restoring robust ties, the future of Lebanese-Saudi relations hinges on both domestic reforms and continued supportive engagement from Saudi Arabia.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
