Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun visited Saudi Arabia to restore ties and discuss a $3 billion military package for the Lebanese army. This visit, his first since taking office, aims to strengthen Lebanese-Saudi relations and support reconstruction efforts after recent conflicts. Aoun’s emphasis on historical ties underscores the importance of Saudi support for Lebanon’s stability.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun made a historic visit to Riyadh, marking the first trip by a Lebanese head of state to Saudi Arabia in six years. During this visit, he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the restoration of trade relations and reconstruction efforts in Lebanon following years of political turmoil.
Aoun emphasized the visit as a significant opportunity to strengthen Lebanese-Saudi relations. He expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s role in maintaining Lebanon’s stability and supporting its constitutional institutions. A key outcome of Aoun’s discussions is the reactivation of a $3 billion military assistance package for the Lebanese army, which had been stalled since Riyadh halted military aid in 2016 due to Hezbollah’s political influence.
The President’s trip is seen as a chance to thaw long-strained ties, particularly after a recent visit by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to Beirut. Aoun, who was elected on January 9 after a prolonged power vacuum, is viewed as favorably aligned with both Riyadh and Washington, particularly after Hezbollah’s weakening in recent conflicts.
In light of the renewed relations, Lebanon is hopeful that Saudi Arabia will lift its travel ban and provide support for the country’s reconstruction efforts, particularly following the devastation caused by the conflict with Israel. Aoun remarked that he selected Saudi Arabia as his first official destination due to the historical ties between the two nations and the Kingdom’s significant regional influence.
In summary, President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks a pivotal moment for Lebanon as it seeks to revitalize its relationship with the Kingdom. The discussions led to the promise of a $3 billion military assistance package and a focus on trade and reconstruction efforts. Aoun’s leadership appears to signal a new chapter for Lebanon, potentially restoring stability and fostering international partnerships as the country moves beyond its recent crises.
Original Source: economymiddleeast.com
