Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking his first official trip. His election ended a two-year power vacuum and aimed to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia amidst a backdrop of strained relations due to Hezbollah. Aoun seeks to revive military aid and align with Saudi Vision 2030 for better economic cooperation.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun commenced his first overseas visit since assuming office by meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. This meeting, reported by Saudi state media, follows Aoun’s election on January 9, which concluded a power vacuum in Lebanon amid ongoing political and economic difficulties. Aoun’s election was facilitated by a diminishment in the influence of Hezbollah during a recent conflict with Israel.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that Aoun engaged in discussions with Prince Mohammed, although details were not disclosed. In a message shared via X, Aoun expressed optimism about the forthcoming talks, anticipating that they would establish a foundation for future agreements to enhance cooperation between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
Aoun acknowledged the historically strained relations between the two nations, citing the cessation of military aid by Riyadh to Lebanon in 2016 due to Hezbollah’s political clout. He stated his intent to reactivate military support and emphasized the importance of Saudi Arabia’s integral role in regional development. Aoun articulated hopes for the resumption of economic relations that could align Lebanon with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative.
The President highlighted his commitment to establishing a sovereign Lebanese state with a monopoly on arms, contrasting the existence of Hezbollah’s arsenal. He pledged to pursue a policy of positive neutrality and to maintain amicable relations with fellow Arab nations. Moreover, Aoun has been invited by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend an urgent Arab summit on Gaza scheduled in Cairo soon.
In conclusion, President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks a significant step towards fostering renewed diplomatic and military relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. His discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signify a commitment to overcoming previous obstacles and to enhancing economic cooperation in light of shared historical ties. Aoun’s policies aim to stabilize the Lebanese state and strengthen ties with Arab nations, thus reinforcing Lebanon’s regional role and alliances.
Original Source: www.arnnewscentre.ae
