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
AFP, citing a Palestinian source: This would force hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians into a small area near the city of Rafah, on the border with Egypt
AFP, citing a Palestinian source: 'Israel' was proposing to maintain military forces in more than 40 percent of the Palestinian territory
AFP, citing a Palestinian source: The map actually depicts redeployment and repositioning of the Israeli army rather than a genuine withdrawal
AFP, citing a Palestinian source: The negotiations in Doha are facing a setback and complex difficulties due to 'Israel's' insistence on presenting a map of withdrawal
Israeli media, citing former Aman official, reserve Colonel Jacques Neriah: Syria's transformation into a buffer zone as far as Iran is concerned changes the entire regional equation
Israeli media, citing a former security official: "Our borders" are now opposite Iraq after Syria became a buffer zone between us and Iran
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Israeli occupation launched more than 40 raids, in the form of fire belts, targeting Beit Hanoun; the most violent and intense since the beginning of the war
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Israeli aircraft launched the largest waves of raids since the beginning of the war on the city of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip
Barrack: The United States is committed to supporting that relationship between two equal and sovereign neighbors enjoying peace and prosperity
Barrack: I can assure that Syria’s leaders only want co-existence and mutual prosperity with Lebanon

Lebanon's Aoun meets Saudi foreign minister, talk about bilateral ties

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 23 Jan 2025 23:48
4 Min Read

Saudi's foreign minister visits Lebanon on a landmark visit to meet with the new president and the prime minister-designate.

Listen
  • x
  • Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, meets with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 (AP)
    Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, meets with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 (AP)

Lebanese President Joseph 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.

Saudi stresses importance of ceasefire

The Saudi foreign minister also stressed the importance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's readiness to support Lebanon step by step in collaboration with international partners.

Prince Faisal emphasized the critical nature of reforms planned by the incoming Lebanese government, noting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's openness to initiatives that would pave the way for Lebanon's brighter future. "Despite the shared challenges in the region, the Kingdom views Lebanon's future with optimism, particularly under the reformist approach outlined by President Aoun," he said.

The meeting was attended by high-level delegations from both sides, reflecting the importance of the visit. The Saudi delegation included Minister Faisal's advisor, Yazid bin Farhan, Ambassador Walid Bukhari, and other key officials. The Lebanese side was represented by Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib, senior presidential advisors, and officials from the President's Office.

Related News

Araghchi, bin Farhan discuss regional developments, bilateral ties

Russia, Saudi Arabia on same page over Gaza ceasefire, Iran diplomacy

Bin Farhan visits PM-designate

Following this, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam hosted bin Farhan along with his accompanying delegation at his residence in Koraytem. 

During the meeting, Prince Faisal congratulated Prime Minister-designate Salam on his appointment, reaffirming Saudi Arabia's support for Lebanon. He urged the Lebanese to prioritize the nation's higher interests over narrow political agendas and to proceed with essential reforms.

Prime Minister-designate Salam welcomed the Saudi foreign minister, emphasizing the significance of this visit, which comes 15 years after the last visit of a Saudi foreign minister to Lebanon.

Salam highlighted the exceptional opportunity currently available for Lebanon and stressed the importance of not letting it slip away. He confirmed his full cooperation with the President in this regard.

The prime minister-designate reiterated his commitment to implementing the necessary political, judicial, administrative, and financial reforms. He also expressed his dedication to restoring Lebanon's natural place in the Arab world and re-establishing its role alongside its brotherly Arab nations.

Aoun elected president

Lebanese legislators in early January voted for Aoun after they failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority (86 votes) in the first round of voting earlier in the day, which is required for Aoun, as the army chief, to win.

After 71 deputies voted for the army commander in the first round, he won in the second round, with 99 recorded votes.

It is worth noting that all 128 Lebanese representatives participated in the presidential election, with ambassadors from several countries in attendance, including those of the United States, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, Egypt, and China.

Joseph Aoun has served as the Commander of the Lebanese Army since March 8, 2017, succeeding General Jean Kahwaji. His military career began in 1983, marking the start of his long service in the army.

He was promoted to brigadier general in 2013 and continued to rise through the ranks, achieving the rank of General in 2017. That same year, he was appointed Commander of the Army, leading during one of the most sensitive periods in Lebanon's history.

  • Israel
  • Israeli occupation
  • Lebanon
  • Hezbollah
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Joseph Aoun
  • Faisal bin Farhan
  • nawaf salam

Most Read

Hezbollah SG reveals war details on Al Mayadeen for the first time

Hezbollah SG reveals war details on Al Mayadeen for the first time

  • Politics
  • 8 Jul 2025
Major ambush in Gaza kills 6 Israeli troops, injures dozens

Major ambush in Gaza kills 5 Israeli troops, injures 14

  • Politics
  • 8 Jul 2025
Israeli soldiers are seen in Beit Hanoun ahead of an operation by the al-Qassam Brigades, undated (Al-Qassam Brigades Military Media)

'Israel' on blast as media exposes report discrepancies in Gaza ambush

  • Palestine
  • 8 Jul 2025
Yemeni air defenses repel substantial part of Israeli aggression

Yemeni air defenses confront Israeli aggression on Hodeidah

  • Politics
  • 7 Jul 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Trump announces Mexico, EU rariffs of 30%
US & Canada

Trump slaps trade partners, Mexico, EU, with 30% tariffs from Aug. 1

Deal struck to create new state of New Caledonia
Europe

France announces State of New Caledonia, except with a twist

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, center, inspects a live-fire shooting training in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, Thursday, July 10, 2025 (AP)
Politics

US demands allies' plans in event of Taiwan war erupting

Israeli settlers kill American-Palestinian visiting West Bank
Palestine

Israeli settlers kill American-Palestinian visiting West Bank

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