Saudi Arabia reassures its support for Lebanon and expresses optimism about the country's future following a ceasefire ending the Israel-Hezbollah war. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, the Saudi foreign minister, emphasized the importance of reforms during a meeting with President Joseph Aoun in Beirut. He conveyed, "We believe in the importance of the reforms he presented so that Lebanon can overcome its crises."
The trip symbolizes significant political changes in Lebanon since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and the downfall of Bashar al-Assad. Prince Faisal cited, "The kingdom is looking at Lebanon's future with optimism under the reformist approach that came in the president's speech after his inauguration."
He highlighted that these reforms are crucial for boosting Lebanon's partners' confidence and restoring its position in the regional and international arenas. President Aoun pledged to ensure that the state holds the exclusive right to bear arms, hinting at Hezbollah's arsenal, and aims to enhance ties with Arab nations.
Previously, Saudi Arabia had made substantial investments in Lebanon, including depositing funds in the central bank and aiding in the reconstruction of the south after the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.