Latest news with #Lebanese-Saudi


National News
11-04-2025
- Politics
- National News
Siniora, Bukhari discuss bilateral ties and regional developments
NNA - Former Prime Minister, Fouad Siniora, on Friday received Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Dr. Walid Bukhari, at his office in Bliss this morning. The meeting focused on Lebanese-Saudi relations and included an in-depth discussion of current developments in Lebanon and the broader Arab region, along with their potential ramifications. According to a statement from Siniora's media office, the two sides underscored 'the attention, support, and constructive role that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate toward Lebanon, an approach that reinforces the prospects of a promising new era for the incoming presidency and government across multiple fronts.'


Leaders
04-03-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Aoun in Riyadh: A Step Forward in Saudi-Lebanese Relations
The Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, on Tuesday wrapped up an official visit to Saudi Arabia, his first overseas trip since assuming office. During his visit to Riyadh, the Lebanese President met with the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing the depth of relations between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon and expressing appreciation for the Kingdom's support for Lebanon's stability. Emphasizing Depth of Saudi-Lebanese Ties On Monday, Aoun arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, along with Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Raji, according to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA). The visit came at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince, marking Aoun's first visit abroad since he became president in January 2025. Upon his arrival, Aoun stated that the visit is 'an opportunity to emphasize the depth of the Lebanese-Saudi relations.' Ahead of his meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince, the Lebanese President expressed hope that their talks 'will pave the way for a future visit during which agreements will be signed to enhance cooperation between the two brotherly countries.' Expressing Gratitude Aoun added that the visit also represents an occasion to express Lebanon's appreciation for Saudi Arabia's role in 'supporting Lebanon's stability, safety, and the functioning of its constitutional institutions.' Moreover, the Lebanese President showed appreciation for the Kingdom's support for various sectors in Lebanon through providing assistance. He also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting Lebanese expatriates over the years, highlighting their contributions to its urban and economic development. 📹 | HRH the Crown Prince receives the President of Lebanon at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh. — Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) March 3, 2025 In January 2025, Lebanon elected the army commander, Joseph Aoun, as president after the country's parliament voted for him, ending a more than two-year-long presidential vacuum. Aoun's election came shortly after a ceasefire deal between Hezbollah and Israel, which ended the 14-month fighting between both sides. Meeting Saudi Crown Prince Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Aoun at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, with an official reception ceremony, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). After that, they held official talks. During their meeting, both the Saudi Crown Prince and the Lebanese President discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region and the efforts made in that regard. Furthermore, the two leaders reviewed the Saudi-Lebanese relations and explored ways to further strengthen them. The reception saw the attendance of several senior Saudi and Lebanese officials, including the Saudi Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet, Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd; the Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman; and the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Moreover, the Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Youssef Rajji, and the Lebanese Ambassador to the Kingdom, Fawzi Kabbara, were present. Joint Statement On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon issued a joint statement after the conclusion of Aoun's visit. In the statement, both countries stressed the importance of strengthening Arab cooperation and coordinating positions on regional and international issues. Furthermore, they underscored the significance of implementing the Taif Agreement and relevant international resolutions. They also emphasized the need to ensure Lebanon's sovereignty over all its territories, restrict weapons to the Lebanese state, and support the national role of the Lebanese army. Moreover, the statement called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Lebanese territories. In terms of economy, both countries agreed on studying the obstacles impeding the resumption of exports from Lebanon to Saudi Arabia, and the required procedures to facilitate Saudi travel to Lebanon. They also underscored the significance of Lebanon's economic recovery and the implementation of reforms, in line with international standards and law. Saudi Unwavering Support In January, the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, made a landmark visit to Lebanon, the first by a high-ranking Saudi official in 15 years. During the visit, Prince Faisal met with Aoun, reiterating the Kingdom's unwavering support for Lebanon and the Lebanese people. Earlier, the Saudi Foreign Minister expressed optimism about Aoun's election, saying it was 'extremely positive' after a prolonged political vacuum. He also emphasized the need for implementing real reforms and adopting a forward-looking approach to ensure Lebanon's sustainable progress. 'We need to see real action, real reform, and a commitment to a Lebanon that looks to the future, not the past. Saudi Arabia's approach to Lebanon would depend on tangible progress and constructive dialogue,' the Foreign Minister said. Short link : Post Views: 70


The National
04-03-2025
- Politics
- The National
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun meets Saudi crown prince on first trip abroad
News MENA Leader says the trip is an opportunity to show the depth of Lebanese-Saudi relations


Zawya
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Saudi Crown Prince and Lebanese President discuss ways to bolster bilateral ties
RIYADH — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held an official session of talks at the Royal Court of Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday. The two leaders discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region and the efforts made to address them. They also reviewed aspects of bilateral relations between the Kingdom and Lebanon, and ways to support and enhance them. At the outset of the talks, the Crown Prince welcomed Aoun to the Kingdom, wishing him and his entourage a pleasant stay, while the Lebanese president expressed his thanks and appreciation for the hospitality and warm reception accorded to him and the accompanying delegation. An official reception ceremony was held in honor of the Lebanese leader. The reception was attended by Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd; Deputy Emir of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman; Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal; Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif; Minister of the National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar; Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman; Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan; Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban; Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, the accompanying minister; Advisor to Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Yazid bin Mohammed; and Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Bukhari. On the Lebanese side, the reception was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Youssef Rajji, Lebanese Ambassador to the Kingdom Dr. Fawzi Kabbara, and a number of senior officials from the Lebanese Presidency. Lebanese President Aoun arrived in Riyadh on Monday afternoon on his first official foreign visit nearly two months after being elected as president of the country. The visit comes in response to an invitation from the Crown Prince. Upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Aoun and his accompanying delegation were received by Deputy Emir of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman. Aoun said, shortly after his arrival in Riyadh, that he is looking forward with great hope to the talks that he will hold with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the evening. "The talks will pave the way for a subsequent visit during which agreements could be signed to enhance cooperation between the two countries. The visit is an opportunity to emphasize the depth of Lebanese-Saudi relations and is also an occasion to express Lebanon's appreciation for the role played by the Kingdom in supporting Lebanon's stability, safety and regularity of the work of its constitutional institutions," he said adding that the visit to Saudi Arabia will also be an opportunity to thank the Kingdom for embracing the Lebanese who came to this country many years ago and continue to do so, and contributed to its urban and economic development. On January 11, the Crown Prince made a phone call with Aoun, congratulating him on his election as president of Lebanon, and inviting him to visit the Kingdom. Aoun, the former Lebanese army chief was elected in January and his election was welcomed regionally and internationally. The president had previously announced that his first official foreign trip would be to Saudi Arabia. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Asharq Al-Awsat
04-03-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia, Lebanon Kick Off New Chapter in Relations
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held official talks in Riyadh on Monday with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Aoun was on his first official visit abroad since his election in January and was visiting the Kingdom at Crown Prince Mohammed's invitation. The visit marks the beginning of a new chapter in relations between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon and their development on all political, economic and social levels given the keenness on the two countries' leaderships on bolstering ties, said observers. Ahead of the talks, Aoun said the visit 'underscores the depth of Lebanese-Saudi relations and is an occasion to express Lebanon's appreciation to the role the Kingdom plays in supporting its stability and constitutional institutions.' He added that he was looking forward to the talks he will hold with Crown Prince Mohammed that will pave the way for a future visit during which agreements aimed at bolstering cooperation between the fraternal nations will be signed. The observers underlined Saudi Arabia's historic role in supporting Lebanon's security and stability, as well as on the political, economic and social levels. Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, shakes hands with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun during his visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 3, 2025. (SPA) They noted its effective role in ending Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war and its constant stances in solidarity with the Lebanese people, in addition to its relief and humanitarian aid for them. Aoun acknowledged this support, saying the visit is an opportunity to thank Saudi Arabia for hosting Lebanese people who have flocked to it for several years and who continue to do so, noting their contributions to its construction and economic rise. Moreover, the observers said the developments in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon, demand coordination between Beirut and Riyadh to bolster regional security and prosperity, and achieve the aspirations of the Lebanese people. They said Aoun and Saudi Arabia are in agreement over the need to empower the Lebanese state and enable it to ensure its sovereignty and impose its authority throughout its territories. Saudi Arabia has long stood by Lebanon and its people, stressing the need to commit to the latest ceasefire with Israel and for Israel to withdraw its troops from the country. It has demanded the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 and relevant agreements, expressing its confidence that Aoun could kick off necessary reforms that would support Lebanon's stability and unity and preserve national institutions. This would in turn build trust with Lebanon's partners and help the country restore its position in the Arab fold.