Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is visiting Saudi Arabia to mend strained ties, the first such visit in six years. Amid heightened tensions related to Hezbollah, the meeting aims to discuss military aid and trade relations, banking on Saudi support for Lebanon’s stability and recovery.
BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon’s President, Joseph Aoun, is optimistic about improving relations with Saudi Arabia during his historic visit to the kingdom, marking the first encounter in six years. The visit comes amidst a backdrop of tense relations and Saudi Arabia’s heightened concerns regarding the Iran-backed Hezbollah group and Lebanon’s stances on various regional matters.
Saudi Arabia has imposed travel and import sanctions on Lebanon following critical remarks by a Lebanese minister in 2021 and dissatisfaction with Lebanon’s efforts to combat drug smuggling. President Aoun’s recent election and the appointment of Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister are perceived as setbacks for Hezbollah, signaling potential shifts in Lebanon’s political landscape.
As diplomatic relations begin to normalize, Lebanon hopes for the lifting of the travel ban and the revitalization of trade, which is vital for the country’s reconstruction efforts after the significant devastation faced during the conflict with Israel. President Aoun emphasized the importance of Lebanese-Saudi relations, expressing gratitude for Saudi support in promoting stability in Lebanon.
During his visit, President Aoun indicated that Saudi Arabia may reactivate a $3 billion aid package aimed at bolstering the Lebanese military, crucial for reinforcing border security in light of ongoing tensions with Israel. Aoun’s visit is a significant milestone as it marks his first foreign engagement since his election earlier this year.
In summary, President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents an important step toward revitalizing strained bilateral relations. The discussions focus on military aid and the potential lifting of sanctions to facilitate Lebanon’s recovery efforts. This visit reflects a cautious yet hopeful attempt to mend ties and enhance cooperation between the two nations.
Original Source: www.wral.com
