Lebanon President Joseph Aoun’s Historic Visit to Saudi Arabia Reactivates Aid Package

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun visited Saudi Arabia, meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This historic visit seeks to revive trade relations, reconstruction efforts, and reactivate a $3 billion military aid package for Lebanon. It symbolizes a thaw in previously strained relations, with Aoun aiming to reset ties beneficial to both countries.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun made headlines as he embarked on a significant visit to Saudi Arabia, marking the first time in six years that a Lebanese head of state has visited Riyadh. This visit aimed at re-establishing trade relations and reconstruction efforts within Lebanon and reactivating a $3 billion aid package intended for the Lebanese army, according to President Aoun’s statements from last week.

During his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Aoun emphasized the importance of Lebanese-Saudi relations, expressing gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s support in maintaining Lebanon’s stability and the functionality of its constitutional institutions. This visit signals a thaw in relations, following a recent visit by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to Beirut.

Aoun’s election on January 9 marked the end of a two-year political power vacuum caused by economic turmoil, positioning him as a favorable figure for both Riyadh and Washington. His presidency follows a period of weakened influence from Hezbollah, further opening the dialogue between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

As Lebanon seeks to recover from extensive damage inflicted by recent conflicts, there is hope that Saudi Arabia will ease travel restrictions and engage in trade. Historically strained relations prompted Riyadh to halt a $3 billion military aid package in 2016 due to Hezbollah’s political involvement. President Aoun emphasized his choice of Saudi Arabia as his first state visit, citing deep historical ties and the kingdom’s role as a pivotal player in the region.

In conclusion, President Joseph Aoun’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia represents a critical step in revitalizing Lebanese-Saudi relations, with expectations for renewed trade and support for Lebanon’s stability. The potential reactivation of a significant military aid package underscores the importance of this diplomatic engagement as Lebanon seeks recovery from economic hardship and the impacts of regional conflicts.

Original Source: economymiddleeast.com