Lebanese President Joseph Aoun plans a significant visit to Saudi Arabia, his first foreign trip since taking office, aimed at reinforcing ties, addressing economic woes, and tackling regional security issues. He intends to attract Saudi support to recover from Lebanon’s financial crisis, focusing on economic cooperation and reconstruction efforts. The visit symbolizes a potential diplomatic turnaround following years of strained relations between the two countries.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to embark on a landmark visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday. This visit marks his first international trip since assuming office on January 9. President Aoun aims to garner support for Lebanon, which is currently grappling with a dire financial crisis exacerbated by the aftermath of last year’s conflict with Israel.
The primary objectives of President Aoun’s visit include revitalizing bilateral relations, addressing Lebanon’s economic challenges, and engaging in discussions related to regional security matters, particularly concerning Israel’s ongoing occupation of southern Lebanese border areas. Additionally, the President will deliberate on reconstruction efforts and potential economic collaboration between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
The visit comes at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who extended the invitation shortly after President Aoun’s election. The President affirmed his commitment to visiting Saudi Arabia first, acknowledging the historical support the kingdom has offered Lebanon and underlining Beirut’s dedication to Arab solidarity.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in Lebanon’s political landscape, notably mediating the 1989 Taif Agreement, which concluded Lebanon’s prolonged civil war. The kingdom has also been a significant financial supporter of Lebanon. However, relations have soured in recent years, particularly under former President Michel Aoun, due to Hezbollah’s increasing influence and the organization’s adversarial stance towards Riyadh.
The diplomatic relationship deteriorated further in late 2021, following controversial comments made by then-Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi regarding Saudi involvement in the Yemen conflict. This resulted in Saudi Arabia withdrawing its ambassador and expelling Lebanon’s envoy. In earlier instances, Saudi Arabia instituted a travel ban on its citizens and prohibited Lebanese food exports, citing security concerns.
Lebanon is hopeful that with the new administration in place, Saudi Arabia will ease these restrictions to aid in its economic recovery. Recently, Saudi Arabia has re-engaged in Lebanese affairs through the Quintet Committee, alongside Qatar, the United States, France, and Egypt, which played a vital role in electing President Aoun and ending a two-year political stalemate.
As Hezbollah’s influence declines following the war with Israel and the loss of support from its Syrian ally, Saudi Arabia is expected to play a more substantial role in shaping Lebanon’s future. Aoun’s discussions with Prince Salman are anticipated to focus on ensuring Lebanon does not serve as a battleground for regional conflicts or as a conduit for illicit exports to Gulf nations.
Furthermore, talks will address Lebanon’s economic recovery, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who has committed to implementing essential reforms. Lebanon aspires to attract Saudi investments, secure reconstruction assistance, and reinstate trade relations, including the potential lift of the travel ban on Saudi nationals.
The two nations have been working on several economic agreements designed to enhance trade and investment, with 22 agreements prepared under the guidance of Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari. These agreements encompass various sectors, including agriculture, transportation, education, and defense, and aim to deepen economic ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
Previously, Lebanon’s annual exports to Saudi Arabia ranged from $700 million to $800 million, and the recent suspension of trade has led to significant financial difficulties, particularly after Lebanon’s economy collapsed in 2019 due to systemic corruption and mismanagement. Reopening trade with Saudi Arabia is viewed as vital for Lebanon’s economic revitalization, expected to yield foreign currency, bolster public and private sector confidence, and generate new employment opportunities.
A notable indication of improved relations was the recent visit by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud to Beirut, marking the highest-level Saudi visit to Lebanon in 15 years. This development suggests a potential shift in Riyadh’s approach and bolsters optimism for the restoration of a strong partnership between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
In summary, President Joseph Aoun’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia is pivotal in addressing Lebanon’s economic challenges and revitalizing diplomatic relations. The discussions are expected to encompass trade agreements, regional security, and economic cooperation. With a renewed commitment from both nations, Lebanon seeks to recover from its financial crisis while solidifying its ties with the Arab world, particularly Saudi Arabia.
Original Source: www.newarab.com