BEIRUT—Lebanon’s President has concluded a significant trip to Saudi Arabia, discussing pivotal regional matters with the Saudi Crown Prince. The diplomatic talks emphasized the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, affirming that military power should solely rest with the Lebanese state.
This historic visit marks the first by a Lebanese president to Saudi Arabia in eight years, signaling a potential thaw in relations strained by Iran’s influence in Lebanon. As the former army commander, the president had frequented Saudi Arabia, and there is optimism that his visit as head of state will lead to the resumption of Lebanese imports to the kingdom and a renewed influx of Saudi tourists.
Upon arrival in Riyadh, the president was welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Yamama Palace. Their discussions focused on regional stability and the enhancement of bilateral ties, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
This diplomatic engagement follows a turbulent period for the Iran-backed Hezbollah faction, which sustained heavy losses over a 14-month conflict with Israel. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire saw most Israeli forces withdraw by mid-February, although some outposts remain in Lebanon, which Lebanese leaders claim breaches the ceasefire.
Post-discussion, a joint statement stressed that armament should be restricted to national institutions like the Lebanese army, which deserves reinforced support. The statement also called for Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanese territories.
In a recent interview, the Lebanese President hinted that Saudi Arabia might revive a previously abandoned $3 billion aid package for Lebanon’s army. This comes after Saudi Arabia halted such initiatives in 2016, responding to Lebanon’s perceived alignment with Iran amidst regional tensions.
In addition to military and political issues, the dialogue extended to economic matters. Both nations agreed to collaboratively tackle obstacles thwarting trade resumption and to facilitate Saudi travel to Lebanon. There’s a shared commitment to help Lebanon recover from its economic crisis by implementing internationally suggested reforms.
The president extended an invitation to the Saudi Crown Prince to visit Lebanon, an offer warmly accepted by Crown Prince Mohammed.
Following prolonged political gridlock, Lebanon elected its president in January, ending over two years without a head of state, with diplomat Nawaf Salam as the new prime minister. This leadership transition was perceived as undermining Hezbollah’s influence, as the new administration aims to mend ties with other Arab nations and pursue necessary reforms.
