Joseph Aoun, Lebanon’s new president, will visit Saudi Arabia as his first foreign trip after taking office, following a prolonged two-year vacancy in the presidency. He emphasizes the necessity of international support to tackle the country’s economic crisis and aims to establish a new government swiftly, succeeding the interim leadership of Najib Mikati. Aoun’s appointment represents a hopeful turn in Lebanon’s political turmoil, with implications for foreign relations and national recovery.
Lebanon’s newly elected president, Joseph Aoun, is set to embark on his inaugural overseas trip to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant moment after a prolonged two-year vacancy in the presidential position. The confirmation of this visit follows a recent telephone conversation between President Aoun and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who extended his congratulations on Aoun’s appointment. Aoun reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia would be the primary destination during his foreign engagements, although the exact date of his visit remains unspecified.
At 60 years of age, President Aoun emphasized the necessity for Lebanon to “rely on outside help” to navigate through the ongoing economic crisis that has persisted since 2019, exacerbated by a year-long conflict with Israel and Hezbollah. He expressed optimism regarding the swift formation of a government, intending to “build bridges of trust with a willing outside world.” In a display of diplomatic outreach, he also recently hosted the leaders of Cyprus and Italy in Beirut.
The election of President Aoun, who previously served as head of the Lebanese army, comes after an extensive period marked by political impasse among the nation’s factions over a suitable consensus candidate. Aoun is now tasked with appointing a new prime minister to establish a government, succeeding Najib Mikati, who has been serving in an interim capacity since 2022.
The political landscape in Lebanon has been tumultuous, especially considering that the presidential role has been vacant for over two years due to disputes among political factions. The recent appointment of President Joseph Aoun is seen as a pivotal step toward stabilizing the country, which is grappling with a severe economic crisis that began in 2019. In addition to the economic challenges, Lebanon has faced geopolitical tensions, particularly its conflict with Israel and Hezbollah. Aoun’s first international trip to Saudi Arabia signifies a potential shift in Lebanon’s diplomatic relations and could lead to vital foreign assistance amidst the ongoing crisis.
In summary, President Joseph Aoun’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia marks a critical development in Lebanon’s political landscape, following an extended leadership vacuum. His call for external support reflects the urgency to address the country’s dire economic situation and the importance of fostering international ties as Lebanon pursues a new government under his leadership. The appointment of Aoun may herald a new chapter for Lebanon, potentially facilitating both political and economic stability.
Original Source: aurora-israel.co.il
