Lebanese President Aoun’s Landmark Visit to Saudi Arabia

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will visit Saudi Arabia to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss Lebanon’s economic crisis and regional security issues. This marks Aoun’s first official trip since his election. The visit aims to restore economic ties, following a period of strained relations, and may facilitate vital economic agreements between the two nations.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia on Monday for a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at rejuvenating the ties between the two nations. This will be his first official trip abroad following his election on January 9. President Aoun is expected to discuss crucial matters, including Lebanon’s economic crisis, bilateral relations, and regional security, particularly concerning Israel’s ongoing occupation of southern Lebanon.

During discussions, the agenda will encompass efforts towards reconstruction and economic cooperation between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. The visit comes as a response to an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who extended this offer shortly after Aoun’s election. Aoun has emphasized the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia as a historical supporter of Lebanon and reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to Arab unity.

The history of Saudi-Lebanese relations has been complex, with Saudi Arabia playing a pivotal role in Lebanon’s political landscape since mediating the Taif Agreement in 1989, which concluded a lengthy civil war. However, relations have soured over the past decade, particularly during the administration of former President Michel Aoun, amid rising tensions with Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group influential in Lebanon.

The deterioration reached a peak late in 2021 after disparaging comments by former Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi regarding the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. This incident prompted Saudi Arabia to withdraw its ambassador from Beirut and influenced several Gulf states to follow suit, further straining diplomatic ties and halting trade relations.

In recent developments, Saudi Arabia has re-engaged with Lebanon through the Quintet Committee, which includes Qatar, the United States, France, and Egypt. Saudi Arabia’s backing was crucial in facilitating Aoun’s election, effectively bridging a two-year presidential vacancy. With Hezbollah’s influence receding, Saudi Arabia could play a more influential role in shaping Lebanon’s future and ensuring stability in the region.

The forthcoming meeting with Crown Prince Salman is anticipated to focus on preventing Lebanon from serving as a battleground for internal and regional conflicts while addressing illicit trade concerns. Additionally, President Aoun aims to discuss economic recovery initiatives led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who is committed to implementing substantial reforms to revitalize the economy.

Lebanon and Saudi Arabia are advancing a series of economic agreements to revitalize trade and investment, with 22 agreements recognized across various sectors, including agriculture, trade, and defense. These agreements have been developed in collaboration with the Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari. This revival of trade is critical given Lebanon’s economic collapse, which started in 2019 due to corruption and mismanagement.

In summary, President Joseph Aoun’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia marks a pivotal moment in restoring relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. The discussions aim to address Lebanon’s economic challenges, revitalize bilateral cooperation, and enhance regional security. The outcomes of this visit could significantly influence Lebanon’s recovery and reshape its political landscape.

Original Source: www.newarab.com