Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will visit Saudi Arabia to seek support for Lebanon amid a financial crisis following the war with Israel. His discussions with Saudi leaders aim to revive bilateral relations, enhance collaboration on economic recovery, and address regional security issues. This visit follows a significant diplomatic thaw, suggesting renewed partnership opportunities for Lebanon.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to seek support as his country grapples with a severe financial crisis and the effects of last year’s conflict with Israel. This trip marks his first international visit following his election on January 9, and is aimed at revitalizing bilateral relations, addressing Lebanon’s economic struggles, and discussing regional security issues, particularly concerning Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon.
The discussions will focus on reconstruction efforts and enhancing economic collaboration between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Aoun’s visit is a direct response to an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting the importance of strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia, which has historically supported Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia’s influence in Lebanon’s political landscape has been significant, particularly during the mediation of the 1989 Taif Agreement which marked the end of the Lebanese civil war. However, relations have soured in recent years, largely due to growing Hezbollah influence in Lebanese affairs and a perceived threat to regional security by the Saudi kingdom.
Tensions reached a peak in late 2021 when controversial remarks by then-Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi regarding Saudi involvement in Yemen led to a diplomatic fallout, resulting in the withdrawal of ambassadors and bans on Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia. Lebanon is hopeful that this visit will lead to an easing of these restrictions and support for its struggling economy.
Recent re-engagement from Saudi Arabia in Lebanon’s affairs has occurred through the Quintet Committee, which includes key regional players. The kingdom was instrumental in facilitating Aoun’s election, effectively concluding a prolonged presidential vacuum. The meeting between Aoun and Prince Salman will aim to ensure Lebanon does not become a battleground for regional conflicts.
Economic recovery discussions will center on opportunities under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s new administration, which is focused on implementing substantial reforms. Lebanon is seeking to attract Saudi investments, reconstruction aid, and the restoration of trade relations, including the potential lifting of the Saudi travel ban.
A series of 22 economic agreements are currently being finalized to enhance trade and investment between the two nations. These agreements, which span various sectors, aim to rejuvenate the economic relationship that has suffered since trade suspension.
Historically, Lebanon’s exports to Saudi Arabia were valued between $700 million and $800 million annually, and the resumption of trade is deemed essential for Lebanon’s economic recovery. The challenges have intensified since the 2019 economic collapse, and restoring trade ties is viewed as a pathway to reviving public confidence and creating job opportunities.
In a notable gesture signifying a potential thaw in relations, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud visited Beirut in January, representing the highest-level Saudi engagement with Lebanon in 15 years. This visit is seen as a hopeful indication of renewed partnership between the two nations.
President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia signals a significant effort to restore diplomatic and economic ties between Lebanon and the Kingdom. As Lebanon faces a dire economic situation, this engagement aims to rekindle cooperation, support reconstruction efforts, and attract much-needed investments. The historical complexities of their relationship highlight the challenges ahead, yet recent diplomatic gestures suggest potential for a renewed partnership that can aid Lebanon’s recovery.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
