President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon visited Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties and express gratitude for Saudi support. Acknowledging the challenges within Lebanon, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is focused on reforms and citizen welfare while addressing public safety concerns. Additionally, tensions continue along the southern border with Israel, reflecting ongoing regional instability.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun recently stated that his visit to Saudi Arabia serves to reaffirm the strong bonds between Lebanon and the Kingdom. He acknowledged Germany’s valuable support in maintaining Lebanon’s stability and the various forms of assistance received from Riyadh. This marks Aoun’s first international trip as president, initiated by an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with hopes of fostering deeper cooperation.
Upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, President Aoun expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting Lebanese citizens who have contributed to the Kingdom’s development. Accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, Aoun’s agenda also includes attending an extraordinary Arab summit in Cairo.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in a meeting with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan, reaffirmed that the Lebanese government has begun implementing reforms after receiving a vote of confidence. Salam highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of Lebanese citizens and addressing critical issues like water, electricity, and economic conditions.
Salam expressed his determination to ensure justice and to appoint qualified individuals for key positions in the government. He emphasized the urgent need to address the plight of detainees who have not been prosecuted and underlined the importance of swift actions to maintain public order and protect citizens.
In Burj Al-Barajneh, a recent shooting incident claimed an innocent life, raising concerns about gang violence and lawlessness in the area. Mayor Atef Mansour called for state intervention to restore order and provide security, stressing the necessity for citizens to feel the presence of state authorities.
Regarding border tensions, a Lebanese citizen was injured due to Israeli gunfire while inspecting his property in Kfar Kila. The Israeli military has constructed barriers to restrict access to certain areas and conducted incursions that resulted in the detention of farmers, stressing the volatility of the situation along the border.
Moreover, an Israeli military drone flew over Lebanese districts, disseminating audio accusations against Hezbollah for hampering the Lebanese Army’s enforcement of UN Resolution 1701, reflecting ongoing regional tensions.
In conclusion, President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia highlights the ongoing commitment between Lebanon and the Kingdom, focusing on stability and cooperation. Concurrently, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government is actively implementing reforms to address the needs of Lebanese citizens amid rising concerns about security and public order. The situation along the southern border remains tense, with incidents highlighting the challenges faced by Lebanon in terms of safety and regional relations.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
