Saudi Arabia plans to review obstacles to resuming imports from Lebanon and lifting the travel ban on its nationals visiting the country, following a meeting between President Joseph Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This move signifies a renewed interest in Lebanese politics by Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the necessity of addressing mutual concerns.
Saudi Arabia is set to reassess the limitations on Lebanese imports and to consider lifting the travel ban imposed on its citizens visiting Lebanon, as reported in a joint statement from both governments. This development followed a meeting in Riyadh between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking Aoun’s first foreign visit since his inauguration in January.
The Saudi government has expressed renewed interest in Lebanese affairs, particularly following a period of disengagement prompted by Hezbollah’s influence, which has diminished since the conflict with Israel last year. The statement highlighted an agreement between both sides to evaluate the issues hindering the revival of exports from Lebanon to Saudi Arabia and to outline measures for allowing Saudi nationals to travel to Lebanon safely.
In April 2021, Saudi Arabia suspended imports of Lebanese fruits and vegetables over allegations of drug smuggling. The Kingdom had been Lebanon’s largest market for agricultural exports, accounting for 22.1 percent in 2019 according to a Lebanese government report. Since then, the travel procedure for Saudis visiting Lebanon has become more stringent due to diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
The two countries also concurred on the need for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories as per a ceasefire agreement established in November. However, Israeli officials have indicated plans to maintain a military presence indefinitely in certain areas, despite previous commitments to withdraw.
President Aoun’s visit represents the first of its kind by a Lebanese leader in eight years, and he has expressed intentions to revive military support from Saudi Arabia, which had ceased $3 billion in military aid to the Lebanese armed forces back in 2016 due to concerns surrounding Hezbollah’s influence.
In summary, the potential resumption of Lebanese imports by Saudi Arabia signals a shifting dynamic in relations following a prolonged period of strain. President Aoun’s visit marks a significant step in fostering diplomatic ties and addressing mutual concerns, including economic cooperation and regional security issues. This interaction may pave the way for improved relations, pending further evaluations of the aforementioned obstacles.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
