Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Riyadh on Sunday – his first trip since being elected – for an important visit abroad.
It comes at a significant turning point for Lebanon because of the weakening of Hezbollah. Aoun could help reverse the trend of the terror group gobbling up the country, a process going back decades.
Saudi Arabia is also flexing its diplomatic muscles. It also recently hosted Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new president of Syria. Riyadh is showcasing its leadership position in the Arab and Islamic world.
The Lebanese president flew into Saudi Arabia from the Beirut – Rafic Hariri International Airport. This comes only weeks after Hezbollah supporters rioted outside the airport and just a week after the funeral of the last Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by Israel in September 2024.
Lebanon may be turning a corner
Aoun, the former commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, has praised the historic relations between Riyadh and Beirut. Saudi Arabia helped end the Lebanese Civil War in an agreement back in 1989, which helped shift Lebanese politics into the format it has taken over the last three decades. Hezbollah sought to upend that recently by blocking the election of a president.
The new president and prime minister in Lebanon are examples of how Lebanon may be turning a corner. The visit to Saudi Arabia is important in this respect.
It should be recalled that several years ago, Saudi Arabia pressured Saad Hariri, the son of former prime minister Rafic Hariri, regarding Lebanon’s political situation. Hezbollah assassinated Rafic Hariri back in 2005, and Saad was supposed to be the leader of the opposition and represent many Sunnis in Lebanon. However, he never really grew into that role.
“I hope and expect from Saudi Arabia, especially the crown prince, that we will correct the relationship in the interest of the two countries and remove all the obstacles that existed in the recent past so that we can build economic and natural relations between us, and the Saudis can return to their second country, Lebanon,” Aoun said.
The Lebanese leader came to Saudi Arabia after an invitation from Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Arab News noted that the president said it was “An opportunity to express gratitude to the kingdom for hosting Lebanese individuals who have come to it years ago and contributed to its urban and economic development.”
Following the trip, Aoun is set to fly to Cairo for a key meeting about Gaza. He is accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, Arab News noted.
In Lebanon, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan.
“Citizens will experience a new level of government performance and services in the coming months… Our primary concern will be the welfare of the Lebanese people, alleviating their burdens, restoring Lebanon to its leading role, and fostering the best relationships with Arab brothers and friendly nations committed to the state of Lebanon, its institutions, and its people,” Salam said.
Arab News also noted, “The Israeli military, which remains positioned at five strategic Lebanese hills, has raised a new earthen barrier on the road leading to the town of Odaisseh to prevent residents from reaching their properties.”