Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited Saudi Arabia, where he discussed strengthening bilateral relations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The leaders called for the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and emphasized that only the Lebanese state should hold weapons. Aoun’s visit aims to improve economic ties and potentially revive military aid that had been previously halted due to Lebanon’s alignment with Iran.
BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun concluded his visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, where discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman focused on improving bilateral relations and regional matters. Both leaders emphasized the need for Israeli forces to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon, advocating that only the Lebanese state should have the right to possess weapons. This visit marks the first by a Lebanese president in eight years, aimed at mending ties damaged by Iran’s influence in Lebanon.
Joseph Aoun’s prior experiences during his tenure as army commander have fostered hope that this presidential visit will lead to the lifting of the ban on Lebanese imports and the resumption of tourism from Saudi Arabia to Lebanon. Saudi Arabia notably stopped supporting the Lebanese military in 2016 due to the country’s alignment with Iran, prompting hopes of renewed military aid.
During his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Yamama Palace, Aoun addressed the need for strengthening Lebanese state institutions and discussed urgent economic reforms. Israel’s recent military actions, which saw a partial withdrawal from Lebanon while maintaining several posts—perceived as a violation of ceasefire agreements—were also a key point of discussion.
Alongside military and security issues, economic revitalization was a primary focus. Aoun mentioned plans to potentially revive a $3 billion aid package for the Lebanese army, alongside a collective agreement to investigate barriers hindering Lebanese imports and Saudi travel to Lebanon.
Aoun extended an invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed to visit Lebanon, affirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to bolster support for Lebanon’s recovery and reforms. The election of both Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam highlights a strategic shift towards enhancing Arab relations and implementing necessary reforms, marking a significant change in Lebanese politics, especially concerning Hezbollah’s influence.
The recent dialogue between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia signifies a pivotal step towards renewed cooperation and stability in the region. The emphasis on the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the establishment of a stronger Lebanese state reflects a collective commitment to national sovereignty and peace. President Aoun’s visit has rekindled hopes for economic recovery and enhanced bilateral relations, particularly in the context of military support and tourism.
Original Source: apnews.com
