Beirut, January 24, 2025 – The Europe Today: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun received Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at Baabda Palace on Thursday, marking the first visit by a high-ranking Saudi official to Lebanon in over 15 years. The visit is seen as a significant step in revitalizing ties between the two nations.
During their discussions, President Aoun and Prince Faisal addressed the latest developments in Lebanon and the broader region. Prince Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support for Lebanon and its people, emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to helping Lebanon achieve stability and prosperity.
Prince Faisal conveyed greetings from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to President Aoun, the Lebanese government, and its people. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s wishes for Lebanon’s continued progress and prosperity.
Optimism for Lebanon’s Future
In a press briefing following the meeting, Prince Faisal underscored Saudi Arabia’s optimistic outlook for Lebanon’s future and reiterated the importance of implementing reforms to restore international confidence in the country. “I discussed with President Aoun the importance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement, and we trust the ability of the president and his prime minister to restore stability in the country,” Prince Faisal stated.
He further emphasized the Kingdom’s readiness to stand by Lebanon, stating, “Saudi Arabia remains committed to supporting Lebanon and its people.”
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
President Aoun described Prince Faisal’s visit as a message of hope and a milestone in fostering closer ties. “We hope that our relations with Saudi Arabia will grow stronger,” Aoun said, expressing gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s efforts in resolving the presidential vacuum and supporting Lebanon through challenging times.
The Lebanese president also welcomed the return of Saudi nationals to Lebanon and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s longstanding role as a key partner in Lebanon’s development. He reiterated his appreciation for the Kingdom’s pivotal support during the presidential election process.
Formal Invitation to Saudi Arabia
As part of his visit, Prince Faisal extended a formal invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for President Aoun to visit Saudi Arabia. President Aoun expressed gratitude for the invitation, affirming that Saudi Arabia would be his first destination for foreign visits, citing the Kingdom’s historical role in supporting Lebanon and strengthening its ties with Arab nations.
Broader Diplomatic Engagements
Upon his arrival at Rafic Hariri International Airport, Prince Faisal was welcomed by Lebanon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdullah Bou Habib, Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari, and other senior officials.
During his visit, Prince Faisal is also scheduled to meet Acting Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and other high-ranking officials to discuss issues of mutual interest and explore ways to enhance bilateral relations.
Prince Faisal’s visit comes shortly after his remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he lauded the election of Lebanon’s president as “a very positive development” and emphasized the need for reforms to increase regional and international engagement with Lebanon.
The visit symbolizes a renewed chapter in Saudi-Lebanese relations, with both sides expressing optimism for a collaborative and prosperous future.
