Lebanese President Joseph Aoun travels to Saudi Arabia for his first official trip since assuming office, aiming to enhance strained relations and revive military aid. His visit emphasizes economic collaboration and Lebanon’s alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Aoun’s pledges to strengthen state authority over weapons and maintain positive ties with Arab nations reflect a strategic vision for Lebanon’s future.
On Monday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun embarked on his inaugural overseas trip to Saudi Arabia since assuming office earlier this year. His election in January 2023 concluded a prolonged power vacuum in Lebanon amid significant political and economic turmoil and was facilitated by the decline of Hezbollah’s influence during a recent conflict with Israel. Aoun’s departure, accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, was noted in a presidential statement.
The relationship between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia has been tense for several years, particularly following Riyadh’s suspension of military aid to the Lebanese army in 2016 due to Hezbollah’s impact on Lebanese governance. In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, President Aoun expressed his intent to revitalize military assistance during his visit, stressing its necessity for Lebanon’s stability and security.
Aoun stated that he selected Saudi Arabia for his first international visit owing to its longstanding ties with Lebanon and its pivotal role in regional and global diplomacy. He expressed optimism regarding the opportunity to mend relations, declaring, “I hope and expect that Saudi Arabia will help us reset relations in the interest of both countries and overcome recent obstacles.”
He further signaled aspirations to cultivate “normal economic ties” between the two nations, suggesting that Lebanon could align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an initiative aimed at economic diversification. “This would allow the Saudis to return to their second home, Lebanon, while Lebanese look forward to reconnecting with Saudi Arabia,” he remarked.
Upon taking office, President Aoun committed to establishing a new governance era where the Lebanese state would possess a monopolistic authority over weapons, in contrast to Hezbollah, which has retained its arsenal post-civil war. Furthermore, Aoun pledged to uphold a policy of positive neutrality and foster amicable relations with neighboring Arab states.
Additionally, President Aoun has received an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend an urgent Arab summit in Cairo concerning Gaza on the following Tuesday, indicating his active engagement in regional affairs.
In conclusion, President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks a significant step towards re-establishing ties strained by political tensions and military aid restrictions. His aspirations to enhance military cooperation, revitalize economic relations, and promote regional diplomacy illustrate Lebanon’s search for stability amidst ongoing challenges. Aoun’s commitment to neutrality and collaboration with Arab nations underscores Lebanon’s strategic goals under his leadership.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
