BEIRUT — The foreign minister of Saudi Arabia made a historic visit to Lebanon on Thursday, marking his first trip to the nation in ten years amidst a backdrop of previously tense relations between the affluent kingdom and the small Mediterranean nation.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s arrival comes just weeks after a ceasefire was implemented, putting an end to the violent conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah group, which resulted in extensive damage across southern Lebanon and significantly weakened the military capabilities of Hezbollah. His visit follows a rapid uprising in Syria last December that saw the ousting of Bashar Assad, concluding his family’s long-standing rule in the country.
Recently, Lebanon saw the election of its first president in over two years, along with the appointment of a new prime minister. The election of General Joseph Aoun as president and former International Criminal Court chief Nawaf Salam as prime minister is perceived as a significant defeat for Hezbollah, illustrating a shift in political dynamics.
During a post-meeting statement with Aoun, the Saudi prince expressed confidence in the newly elected leaders, emphasizing their potential to implement vital reforms aimed at fostering security, stability, and unity in Lebanon.
In conjunction with his discussions, the Saudi diplomat reaffirmed his country’s backing of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that concluded the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He demanded the “complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Lebanese territory,” a stance indicating Saudi interest in maintaining regional stability.
Prince Faisal is also expected to meet with parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri and outgoing caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati as part of his diplomatic agenda.
The influence of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and its affiliates has been a source of concern for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations, contributing to a diplomatic crisis that emerged in 2021. Riyadh has previously criticized the Lebanese government’s inability to address drug trafficking issues, particularly the smuggling of drugs from Lebanon to Saudi Arabia. This tension escalated after the Lebanese information minister made remarks regarding Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Yemen, leading to punitive actions by Riyadh.
In response, Saudi Arabia imposed a ban on imports from Lebanon, exacerbating the economic troubles for Lebanese farmers and manufacturers at a time when the country was already facing a crippling economic crisis that pushed many citizens into poverty. Lebanese officials have made ongoing, yet unsuccessful, attempts to persuade Saudi Arabia to lift this ban.
Lebanon has long sought to restore its relationship with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, which have historically been vital trade partners and significant contributors to its tourism economy. As the country grapples with an intense economic downturn, the need for international support to reconstruct towns and villages devastated by war has become increasingly urgent.
