Latest news with #Saudi-Lebanese
L'Orient-Le Jour
06-08-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Bahaa Hariri meets Rai, cites 'national brotherhood between Muslims and Christians'
BEIRUT — Bahaa Hariri, son of assassinated Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, visited church leaders in Lebanon on Wednesday, according to a post he shared on his X account. The billionaire businessman, who arrived to Lebanon last week, announced his "permanent return" to his home country from Monaco in September, declaring a renewed ambition to establish himself as a political figure within the Sunni community, despite his previous setbacks, notably in the 2022 parliamentary elections and an unsuccessful comeback attempt in 2024. The Saudi-Lebanese is betting on the void left within the Sunni community by the departure of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, as an opportunity to reposition himself. Hariri's Wednesday meetings included Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai in Diman, an encounter which he described as "a reflection of the deep national brotherhood between Muslims and Christians in Lebanon." "We discussed the latest developments and reaffirmed that true partnership and honest dialogue are essential to safeguarding Lebanon and preserving its unique message," Hariri wrote on X. Hariri then met Aram I Keshishian, Catholicos of the Armenian Church in Bekfaya, in a move he said "reaffirmed the importance of Lebanon's religious and cultural diversity, and the need to preserve national partnership among all communities." "Diversity is at the heart of Lebanon's identity and dialogue is the key to protecting it," Hariri said. On Monday, Hariri met Grand Mufti Abdel-Latif Derian at Dar al-Fatwa. Hariri's influence remains marginal in the absence of clear support from Saudi Arabia. In the 2022 elections, his candidates achieved meager results, despite a large-scale media and political campaign. He was criticized for running his campaign from abroad. He also attempted a comeback in 2024, but failed to rally much support. But the political atmosphere in Lebanon has since changed. Hezbollah is strongly weakened after last fall's war against Israel, and the Sunni community feels strengthened by the fall of the Syrian regime of Bashar Assad and the return of Saudi Arabia to the Middle East. While Saad Hariri has promised his supporters a 'comeback' in 2026, that prospect remains uncertain, especially as Riyadh appears to be searching for one or more alternative leaders for the community it sponsors.
Leaders
10-04-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Lebanese FM Delves into Reforms, Weapons Control with Saudi Ambassador
Lebanon's Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji has met Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Al-Bukhari to review the latest regional developments, according to Arab News. During the meeting, Rajji emphasized that his country is strongly adhering to both the financial reforms and restriction of possessing weapons outside the state's control. The minister also stressed Beirut's dedication to carrying out the essential economic, financial, and administrative reforms. Meanwhile, he assured that weapons are controlled directly by the state, underscoring that such a policy will 'put Lebanon on the trail of recovery and advancement,' according to the National News Agency. Apart from this, the minister expressed sincere appreciation to the Saudi Arabia's leadership for their unwavering support to Lebanon and its people. Rajji also noted that bilateral relations between Riyadh and Beirut have restored Lebanon to its rightful place among Arab countries. In the same context, Al-Bukhari reiterated the Kingdom's full support for Lebanon's reform process, led by President Joseph Aoun and his government. Historic Visit Lebanese President Joseph Aoun In March, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Riyadh, becoming the first Lebanese President to visit Saudi Arabia in six years, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Upon his arrival in Riyadh, Aoun expressed wishes to boost the Saudi-Lebanese relations, commending the Kingdom's pivotal role in supporting Lebanon. 'I look forward to the talks I will have with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this evening,' Aoun stated. Interestingly, the President noted that he selected the Kingdom as his first destination due to its 'historic links' with Lebanon and its central role as a regional and global player. 'I hope and expect that Saudi Arabia will help us reset relations in the interest of both countries and overcome recent obstacles,' he told Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat in an interview Friday. Furthermore, Aoun stated that his country could align with 'Vision 2030,' expressing hopes of establishing 'normal economic ties.' 'This would allow the Saudis to return to their second home, Lebanon, while Lebanese look forward to reconnecting with Saudi Arabia,' he added. Related Topics: Saudi Crown Prince, Lebanon's PM Meet in Makkah Syria, Lebanon Sign Border Demarcation Agreement in Jeddah Israel Strikes Lebanon in Retaliation for Cross-Border Rockets Short link : Post Views: 5
Bahrain News Gazette
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Bahrain News Gazette
Saudi Crown Prince and Lebanese Prime Minister Explore Bilateral Relations
Riyadh: His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, met with Dr. Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of the Republic of Lebanon. According to Bahrain News Agency, the two sides exchanged Eid Al Fitr greetings and discussed ways to enhance Saudi-Lebanese relations. They also reviewed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, and the efforts being made to address them.
National News
30-03-2025
- Politics
- National News
HRH the Crown Prince Receives Lebanese Prime Minister
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received today Lebanese Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah, where they exchanged Eid Al-Fitr greetings and discussed Saudi-Lebanese relations, the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, and the ongoing efforts to address them. The meeting was attended by Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of State, Cabinet Member and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, and Secretary to HRH the Crown Prince Dr. Bandar Al-Rasheed. --- SPA ===================
Al Arabiya
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
MBS, Lebanon PM Salam discuss Saudi-Lebanese relations
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salma received on Sunday Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam during which bilateral ties between both the Kingdom and Lebanon were discussed, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The Crown Prince met Salam at the Al-Safa Palace in Mecca. The Lebanese premier had arrived earlier on Sunday in the Kingdom and preformed Eid al-Fitr prayers alongside MBS at the Grand Mosque. It is Salam's first official visit to the Kingdom since forming a new government in February. According to SPA, MBS and Salam 'discussed Saudi-Lebanese relations, the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, and the ongoing efforts to address them.'
