President Aoun’s Landmark Visit to Saudi Arabia: Reviving Diplomatic Ties

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will make his inaugural foreign visit to Saudi Arabia, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and seeking support amidst Lebanon’s financial crisis. Following this visit, Aoun will proceed to an Arab Summit in Egypt. The trip underscores historical ties between the countries, yet aims to address past tensions and foster economic cooperation, including resuming trade. Saudi Arabia’s recent re-engagement in Lebanese affairs is seen as a hopeful step towards economic recovery for Lebanon.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to embark on a significant visit to Saudi Arabia, commencing on Monday. This trip stands as his initial foreign journey following his election on January 9 and aims to garner support for Lebanon amidst its severe financial turmoil and the repercussions of last year’s conflict with Israel. Key agenda items include revitalizing bilateral relations, tackling Lebanon’s struggling economy, and addressing regional security concerns involving Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon’s border areas.

In response to an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Aoun emphasized his intention to prioritize Saudi Arabia as his first international destination. This decision highlights the kingdom’s historical backing of Lebanon and reinforces Beirut’s commitment to maintaining Arab solidarity. Following his engagements in Riyadh, President Aoun is scheduled to proceed to Egypt to attend an Arab Summit.

The historical relationship between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon has been pivotal, particularly through the mediation of the 1989 Taif Agreement that concluded Lebanon’s prolonged civil war. Yet, over the past decade, these relations have soured, especially during former President Michel Aoun’s tenure, as Hezbollah’s growing influence became a security concern for the kingdom. Tensions peaked in late 2021, when remarks by the then-Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi regarding Saudi involvement in the Yemen war led to severe diplomatic ramifications, including the recall of the Saudi ambassador.

Lebanon is hopeful that the new administration under President Aoun will mend the strained ties and lift restrictions imposed by Riyadh, alleviating the economic pressures faced by the Lebanese population. Recently, Saudi Arabia re-engaged in Lebanese matters through the Quintet Committee, significantly aiding in President Aoun’s election after a prolonged presidential vacuum. Hezbollah’s diminishing power post-conflict with Israel presents an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to strengthen its influence in Lebanon’s future.

Aoun’s discussions with Crown Prince Salman are expected to center on ensuring that Lebanon does not act as a battleground for regional disputes or as a conduit for illicit trade. Additionally, economic recovery strategies under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s new government will be a focal point, particularly as Salam aims to implement meaningful reforms. Lebanon seeks to attract investments from Saudi Arabia and facilitate reconstruction efforts, hoping to resume normal trade relations.

In their commitment to reviving economic connections, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia are advancing a series of agreements—22 to be specific, coordinating with the Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari. These agreements aim to enhance cooperation in diverse sectors, including trade, agriculture, and education, and most legal aspects have been resolved. Historically, Lebanon’s annual exports to Saudi Arabia ranged from $700 million to $800 million, and resuming these trade relations is deemed crucial for Lebanon’s recovery from its economic collapse, marked by rampant corruption and mismanagement.

The restoration of trade with Saudi Arabia could replenish Lebanon with foreign currency, bolster confidence in both public and private sectors, and create job opportunities. A notable indicator of improving ties occurred with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud’s visit to Beirut on January 23, marking Saudi Arabia’s highest-level visit in Lebanon in 15 years and suggesting a potential shift towards rebuilding their longstanding partnership.

President Aoun’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia represents a critical juncture for Lebanon as it seeks to revitalize diplomatic and economic ties amid a profound financial crisis. The discussions are poised to address not only immediate economic cooperation but also critical security concerns related to regional stability. With renewed interest from Saudi Arabia in Lebanese affairs, Lebanon aims to restore trade relations that could substantially aid its struggling economy and public confidence. Aoun’s visit is thus a potential turning point in Lebanon’s international relationships, particularly with its Arab neighbors.

Original Source: www.newarab.com