Saudi FM expresses optimism for Lebanon's future in first visit in 15 years

Express Tribune

23-01-2025

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Saudi Arabia will continue to support Lebanon and remains optimistic about the country's future following a ceasefire that ended the war between Israel and the Iran-aligned Hezbollah group, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said during his visit to Beirut on Thursday.
The visit marks the first time in 15 years that Riyadh's top diplomat has traveled to Lebanon. Prince Faisal, speaking to reporters after a meeting with Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun, emphasized the importance of reforms to help Lebanon overcome its crises.
'I expressed to him that we believe in the importance of the reforms he presented so that Lebanon can overcome its crises,' the foreign minister said.
This visit reflects significant political shifts in Lebanon, particularly after last year's war between Israel and Hezbollah, which severely damaged the group's military capabilities, and the subsequent fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December following a brief insurgency.
"The kingdom is looking at Lebanon's future with optimism under the reformist approach that came in the president's speech after his inauguration," Prince Faisal stated.
He noted that these reforms would enhance Lebanon's relations with its international and Arab partners and help the country regain its position on the regional and global stage.
President Aoun, who assumed office in late 2024, has expressed a commitment to ensuring that the Lebanese state alone holds the right to bear arms, a move seen as a challenge to Hezbollah's military arsenal.
He also aims to strengthen Lebanon's ties with Arab nations, which has been a key focus of his administration.
Saudi Arabia has long been a significant supporter of Lebanon, investing billions in the country's reconstruction efforts, particularly following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.
However, relations soured in recent years due to concerns over Hezbollah's increasing influence in Lebanon's political and military spheres, as well as issues such as the smuggling of drugs into Saudi Arabia from Lebanon.
In 2021, Saudi Arabia imposed a ban on Lebanese imports after remarks from Lebanon's information minister criticizing Riyadh's involvement in the war in Yemen.
The ban exacerbated Lebanon's already dire economic crisis, which has seen its banks crippled and millions plunged into poverty. Lebanese officials have since unsuccessfully attempted to persuade Saudi Arabia to lift the ban.
Despite the challenges, Lebanon has worked to rebuild its ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations, which have historically been vital trade partners and sources of tourism revenue.
As Lebanon faces its ongoing economic crisis and the daunting task of rebuilding towns and villages damaged by war, Saudi Arabia's renewed optimism and diplomatic engagement could play a crucial role in Lebanon's recovery.