Lebanese president seeks stronger ties with Saudi Arabia
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited Saudi Arabia, marking his first international trip since his election in January. He met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in Riyadh, where they discussed revitalizing bilateral relations, Lebanon’s economic crisis, and regional security issues, particularly Israel’s ongoing occupation of southern Lebanon. Aoun also sought to reactivate a $3 billion aid package for Lebanon’s army, which had been halted in 2016. The aid was previously suspended after Lebanon failed to condemn attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran.
Aoun’s trip comes amid a period of shifting regional dynamics, including a decline in Hezbollah’s influence and changes in Syria, which could offer a chance for Saudi Arabia to re-engage with Lebanon. In addition to political talks, Aoun emphasized the importance of Saudi support for Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts after years of economic turmoil and Israeli strikes. He plans to attend the emergency Arab summit in Egypt to discuss Palestinian issues.
The visit is part of efforts to repair the troubled relationship between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, which has been strained in recent years due to Hezbollah’s growing role in Lebanon and the other group’s tensions with Riyadh. In 2021, Saudi Arabia and several Persian Gulf nations withdrew their ambassadors from Lebanon following controversial remarks by a Lebanese minister. Saudi Arabia had also imposed trade bans and travel advisories.
During his visit, Aoun discussed new economic agreements aimed at boosting trade, agriculture, and defense cooperation between the two countries. Lebanon hopes that re-establishing strong ties with Saudi Arabia will help revive its struggling economy, attract foreign investment, and secure reconstruction aid. Key agreements between the two nations, including efforts to resume trade and lift the Saudi travel ban, are in the final stages. These initiatives are seen as crucial for Lebanon’s economic recovery following a devastating financial crisis.
