Saudi Arabia plans to review barriers to resuming Lebanese imports and lifting travel restrictions for its citizens visiting Lebanon. This announcement follows a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during Aoun’s first trip abroad since taking office. The discussions also included issues surrounding the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory and a potential renewal of Saudi military aid to Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia is evaluating the possibility of resuming imports from Lebanon and lifting its travel ban on Lebanese by reviewing any existing “obstacles.” This announcement was made following a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday, marking President Aoun’s first international visit since taking office in January.
The renewed interest from Saudi Arabia in Lebanese affairs comes after a prolonged period of distance primarily instigated by Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon, which has diminished since the recent conflict with Israel. The official Saudi Press Agency reported that both leaders agreed to assess the barriers hindering the resumption of Lebanese exports and the necessary measures to facilitate travel for Saudi citizens to Lebanon.
In April 2021, Saudi Arabia imposed a ban on Lebanese fruit and vegetable imports, citing concerns about drug smuggling and Lebanon’s lack of adequate response. Prior to that, in 2019, Saudi Arabia accounted for 22.1 percent of Lebanese agriculture exports, indicating the significance of this trade relationship. Since then, Saudi nationals have required government approval for travel to Lebanon due to deteriorating diplomatic relations.
Additionally, the two nations discussed the Israeli military occupation of Lebanese territory, agreeing on the need for withdrawal, as outlined in a prior ceasefire agreement. This conversation follows recent comments from the Israeli Defence Minister stating that troops would remain in position indefinitely, extending the originally set earlier withdrawal deadline.
President Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents a notable moment, as it is the first time in eight years a Lebanese head of state has visited Riyadh. In an interview prior to the visit, he expressed hope to renew military assistance from Saudi Arabia, which had been suspended in 2016 largely because of Hezbollah’s presence, amounting to $3 billion in military aid.
In summary, Saudi Arabia is considering the resumption of imports from Lebanon and lifting travel restrictions for its nationals, reflecting a significant shift in diplomatic relations between the two nations. This development follows tensions related to Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon and a previously imposed import ban due to drug smuggling concerns. President Aoun’s visit marks a pivotal step in rekindling diplomatic ties, potentially paving the way for renewed military cooperation.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
