Lebanon and Saudi Arabia Seek to Strengthen Ties and Call for Israeli Withdrawal

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia, where they discussed enhancing relations, called for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and emphasized that only the Lebanese state should wield arms. This visit, the first by a Lebanese leader in eight years, signals potential improvements in bilateral ties and economic collaboration as Lebanon seeks to recover from its historic crisis.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun concluded a significant visit to Saudi Arabia where he engaged in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding pivotal regional matters. Both leaders emphasized the necessity for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon and asserted that only the Lebanese state should possess weaponry, reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty over its arms.

This visit marked the first for a Lebanese head of state to Saudi Arabia in eight years, aiming to mend the historically strained relations influenced by Iran’s presence in Lebanon. President Aoun’s prior experiences as army commander during visits to Saudi Arabia have fostered hopes that his current role will lead to lifting the Saudi import ban on Lebanese goods and facilitate travel for Saudi citizens to Lebanon.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received President Aoun at Yamama Palace in Riyadh, where they reviewed the situation in Lebanon and explored avenues for improving bilateral relations. This meeting comes on the heels of significant challenges faced by Hezbollah following its recent conflict with Israel, which concluded with a ceasefire and an Israeli troop withdrawal from parts of Lebanon.

A statement following the summit declared that only state institutions in Lebanon should maintain the right to armaments and highlighted the necessity of supporting the Lebanese army. The leaders also committed to addressing the impediments affecting Lebanese imports and facilitating Saudi visits to Lebanon, aiming to revitalize the Lebanese economy amidst its ongoing crisis.

During an interview with Saudi Arabia’s Asharq News, President Aoun expressed optimism regarding the reactivation of a previously suspended $3 billion military assistance package intended for the Lebanese army. The visit signifies a mutual agreement between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia to implement essential reforms as demanded by the international community. President Aoun extended an invitation for Crown Prince Mohammed to visit Lebanon, which was warmly received.

The meeting between President Joseph Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman symbolizes a notable diplomatic thaw between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, driven by shared concerns over regional stability and the influence of Iran. Their commitment to support the Lebanese army, address economic challenges, and advocate for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon underscores a strategic partnership aimed at restoring sovereignty and enhancing bilateral relations. The invitation for the Crown Prince to visit Lebanon further reflects a hopeful trajectory for future cooperation.

Original Source: apnews.com