President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon will make his first international visit to Saudi Arabia after being appointed head of state, a role that had been vacant for over two years. He emphasized the need for external support to tackle Lebanon’s economic crisis, expressed hopes for a swift government formation, and welcomed foreign dignitaries in Beirut.
Joseph Aoun, the recently appointed President of Lebanon, is scheduled to embark on his inaugural international visit to Saudi Arabia following his assumption of office on Thursday. This presidential role had remained unfilled for over two years due to political disagreements among various factions in Lebanon. The Lebanese presidency has confirmed that Aoun’s visit will take place at the invitation of Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, who personally congratulated him during a phone conversation.
President Aoun, who is 60 years of age, underscored the necessity for Lebanon to seek external assistance in navigating the profound economic crisis that has beleaguered the nation since 2019, compounded by a conflict with Israel and Hezbollah over the past year. Emphasizing the urgency of political stability, Aoun expressed aspirations for swift government formation to foster trust with the international community.
In recent days, Aoun has welcomed notable international leaders in Beirut, including Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, signaling Lebanon’s receptiveness toward diplomatic engagement. As he transitions from his military background to the presidency, Aoun now faces the immediate task of appointing a new prime minister who will succeed Najib Mikati, the interim officeholder since 2022. This appointment marks a significant juncture for Lebanon as it seeks to emerge from a prolonged period of political stagnation.
Lebanon has experienced significant political instability, particularly due to disagreements across its various political factions that have delayed the appointment of a new president for over two years. The election of Joseph Aoun as president marks the culmination of prolonged negotiations and paves the way for renewed governance in Lebanon. The country has faced considerable economic challenges, exacerbated by regional conflicts, thus necessitating a focus on foreign relations, particularly with influential countries like Saudi Arabia. President Aoun’s commitment to seek international assistance reflects Lebanon’s dire economic situation and the urgent need for effective governance.
In conclusion, President Joseph Aoun’s imminent visit to Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal moment for Lebanon as the nation endeavors to restore political stability and seek external assistance to address its profound economic challenges. His commitment to fostering international cooperation and establishing a functioning government is essential for rebuilding trust and improving conditions in the country.
Original Source: aurora-israel.co.il
