Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Lebanon: Two Israeli airstrikes targeted Wadi al-Aziziya in the Tyre district.
CIA spokesperson says law enforcement responded to a security incident outside CIA headquarters.
Brigadier General Saree: Operation achieved its targeted successfully, forcing millions of Zionists to flee to shelters, and halted air traffic at the airport.
YAF spokesperson: We've executed a military operation targeting Ben Gurion Airport in occupied Yafa with ballistic hypersonic missile.
IOF warning forces residents to evacuate and head South in preparation for expansion of aggression.
IOF issues large-scale evacuation orders for residents of 14 areas in northern Gaza.
Israeli media say that for second time in span of hours, a ballistic missile is launched from Yemen toward "Israel".
Israeli media say large explosion heard in central "Israel".
Israeli media: Missile launch from Yemen takes place at end of Yahya Saree's announcement.
Israeli media: Sirens blare in occupied Al-Quds.

Lebanese president heads to Saudi Arabia for first trip abroad

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 3 Mar 2025 14:19
3 Min Read

Lebaenese President Aoun heads to Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties, in hopes of "building normal economic ties" with the Kingdom.

Listen
  • x
  • 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 Photo/Hussein Malla)
    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.

Related News

Lebanon kicks off 2nd phase of municipal elections in North, Akkar

'Israel' must withdraw from 5 points, state to monopolize arms: Aoun

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.

  • Joseph Aoun
  • Lebanon
  • Saudi Arabia

Most Read

YAF say struck 'Israel's' Ben-Gurion Airport with missiles, drones

YAF say struck 'Israel's' Ben Gurion Airport with missiles, drones

  • MENA
  • 18 May 2025
Israeli media: Yemen may push 'Israel' towards ceasefire in Gaza

Israeli media: Yemen may push 'Israel' towards ceasefire in Gaza

  • MENA
  • 17 May 2025
Rachel Accurso criticized for speaking out on Gaza children crisis

Ms. Rachel accused of antisemitism for speaking out for Gaza children

  • Politics
  • 20 May 2025
Martyrs, injuries in violent Israeli bombardment of southern Gaza

Israeli operation fails; IOF launch violent strikes on Gaza

  • Politics
  • 19 May 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Yemenis chant slogans during a weekly anti-US and anti-Israeli rally in Sanaa, Yemen, Friday, May 16, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Operations against 'Israel' yielding tangible results: Ansar Allah

People walk between buildings, Dec. 17, 2024, on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts (AP)
Politics

Trump blocks Harvard from enrolling foreign students

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, steps out from his plane as he arrives at Muscat, Oman, Friday, April 25, 2025, a day prior to negotiations with US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff (AP)
Politics

Iran no longer benefits from reviving the 2015 nuclear deal: Araghchi

A Microsoft sign is decorated in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary at Microsoft headquarters, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Redmond, Wash (AP)
Technology

Microsoft prohibits 'Palestine' in internal messages

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS