Lebanese president heads to Saudi Arabia for first trip abroad
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Lebaenese President Aoun heads to Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties, in hopes of "building normal economic ties" with the Kingdom.
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Newly-elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reviews the honor guard upon his arrival at the Lebanese Parliament to be sworn in as a new president, in Beirut, Lebanon, on January 9, 2025. (AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is visiting Saudi Arabia on Monday for his first official trip abroad since assuming office earlier this year, the presidency announced.
Aoun was elected on January 9, bringing an end to a political deadlock that had left the presidency vacant for over two years amid Lebanon's severe economic and political turmoil.
"President Joseph Aoun left Rafic Hariri International Airport for Riyadh," accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, the presidency said in a statement.
It is worth noting that relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia have been tense for years. In 2016, Riyadh suspended $3 billion in military aid to the Lebanese army.
"During my visit, I will seek, if possible, to reactivate military aid," Aoun told Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat in an interview on Friday.
The president stated that he selected Saudi Arabia as his first destination due to its "historic ties" with Lebanon and its influence as both a regional and global power. He said: "I hope and expect that Saudi Arabia will help us reset relations in the interest of both countries and overcome recent obstacles."
Aoun voiced hopes of "building normal economic ties", saying Lebanon could align with "Vision 2030" -- Riyadh's initiative to diversify its economy beyond oil. "This would allow the Saudis to return to their second home, Lebanon, while the Lebanese look forward to reconnecting with Saudi Arabia," he said.
It is worth noting that Aoun has also received an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to participate in an urgent Arab summit on Gaza in Cairo on Tuesday, according to the Lebanese presidency.
Aoun meets Saudi foreign minister
In January, Aoun met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the Baabda Palace on Thursday, marking the minister's first visit to Lebanon in 15 years. The meeting underscored the strengthening ties between the two nations and Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in supporting Lebanon during a critical period.
During the meeting, President Aoun expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia's efforts in assisting Lebanon, particularly in ending the presidential vacancy. He described the visit as a "message of hope" and emphasized the importance of implementing his inaugural address, which he said reflects the aspirations of the Lebanese people.
Aoun outlined the priorities for the coming phase, which include reconstruction, addressing the economic crisis, and bolstering the military and security institutions. He also called for renewed Saudi engagement in Lebanon, recalling the historical bonds between the two countries and hoping for stronger bilateral relations across all fields.
Prince Faisal conveyed greetings from King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Aoun, congratulating him on his election. He affirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting Lebanon's path toward prosperity, highlighting the significance of President Aoun's inaugural speech as a guiding framework for reform.
