Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun visited Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties and called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. This marks the first visit by a Lebanese leader in eight years, amid hopes for improved relations and economic ties. Discussions included support for Lebanon’s military and addressing barriers to importing Lebanese goods to Saudi Arabia.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun concluded a notable visit to Saudi Arabia aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, concluding on March 3, 2025. His discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman focused on regional stability, emphasizing the necessity for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon and reasserting that only the Lebanese state ought to maintain armaments. This visit marks the first time in eight years that a Lebanese head of state has visited the kingdom, amidst ongoing concerns over Iran’s influence in Lebanon.
During his tenure as army commander, Aoun had visited Saudi Arabia frequently, and there is optimism that his presidency could pave the way for restoring Saudi imports from Lebanon and reviving tourism from Saudi citizens to Lebanon. At the Yamama Palace in Riyadh, Aoun and Prince Mohammed engaged in discussions concerning the political climate in Lebanon and the potential for enhanced relations.
The backdrop of Aoun’s visit includes the recent struggles of Hezbollah, which faced significant setbacks during a prolonged conflict with Israel culminating in a ceasefire facilitated by the United States. Israel’s withdrawal of troops from Lebanon earlier this year did not fully materialize, leaving several military posts that Lebanese officials view as inconsistent with the ceasefire agreement.
Following their meeting, Aoun and Prince Mohammed issued a joint statement indicating that only state entities in Lebanon should wield arms, advocating for support of the Lebanese military. Aoun also indicated that Saudi Arabia is considering reviving a $3 billion assistance package for the Lebanese army, which was previously halted in light of Lebanon’s perceived alignment with Iran.
The two leaders acknowledged the necessity of overcoming barriers to reestablishing Lebanese imports to Saudi Arabia and facilitating travel for Saudi citizens to Lebanon. They emphasized the imperative for Lebanon’s economy to emerge from its historical crisis and called for the implementation of international community reforms. Aoun extended an invitation to Prince Mohammed to visit Lebanon, which was graciously accepted.
In summary, President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks a significant development in Lebanese-Saudi relations, with mutual calls for Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon. The discussions highlighted a shared commitment to empower Lebanon’s state institutions and military, while both leaders aimed to address economic challenges and enhance trade ties. The potential restoration of Saudi investments and tourism signals a move towards deeper cooperation between the two countries.
Original Source: apnews.com
