Saudi Arabia plans to examine obstacles to resuming imports from Lebanon and lifting a travel ban on its citizens, as discussed in a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This marks a potential turnaround in diplomatic relations and is significant for Lebanon’s economy, given Saudi Arabia’s role in Lebanese agricultural exports.
Saudi Arabia is set to evaluate the barriers to reestablishing imports from Lebanon and to lifting the travel ban imposed on its citizens visiting the country. This decision follows a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, marking Aoun’s inaugural overseas trip since assuming office in January. The two nations agreed to examine the necessary actions to facilitate both the resumption of exports from Lebanon and the allowance of Saudi citizens to travel there.
The backdrop to this development lies in Saudi Arabia’s previous suspension of Lebanese imports in April 2021, stemming from allegations regarding drug smuggling through shipments. Lebanon’s agricultural sector significantly depends on Saudi Arabia, which constituted 22.1 percent of its agricultural exports in 2019, as highlighted in a 2020 government report. Consequently, the ban has implications for the Lebanese economy, which has struggled since the suspension.
In addition to discussions around trade, the two governments addressed the issue of the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory, agreeing on the importance of Israel’s withdrawal as per a ceasefire established in November. This topic remains contentious, especially after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz indicated that Israeli troops would remain indefinitely in what is termed a “buffer zone” following a deadline for withdrawal.
During this visit, Aoun expressed intentions to reactivate military assistance from Saudi Arabia, which had been suspended since 2016 due to the influence of Hezbollah in Lebanon. This aspect of military diplomacy reflects ongoing efforts to restore relations between the two nations, which have been strained in recent years due to geopolitical factors.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s potential resumption of imports from Lebanon and the lifting of its travel ban signal a renewed interest in Lebanese affairs. The meeting between President Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reflects an effort to confront trade restrictions and military cooperation that has been stalled due to external influences. Continued dialogue may reshape the future of Lebanon-Saudi relations, fostering economic and diplomatic engagement.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
