Saudi Arabia's top diplomat visited Lebanon for the first time in a decade, signaling a potential thaw in relations between the two countries. Prince Faisal bin Farhan's visit follows a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which brought an end to the conflict that had ravaged southern Lebanon.
The visit also comes in the wake of significant political developments in Lebanon, including the election of General Joseph Aoun as president and the appointment of Nawaf Salam as prime minister-elect. These appointments are viewed as setbacks for Hezbollah, a group that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have been wary of due to its ties to Iran.
During his visit, the Saudi foreign minister expressed confidence in the new Lebanese leadership's ability to implement reforms that would promote safety, stability, and unity in the country. He also reiterated Saudi Arabia's support for the ceasefire agreement and called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.
The strained relations between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon had escalated in 2021, with Riyadh imposing punitive measures on Lebanon following a diplomatic crisis. The ban on Lebanese imports exacerbated Lebanon's economic woes, which were already severe due to a financial crisis that had pushed many into poverty.
Lebanon has been eager to mend ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, which have historically been important trade partners and sources of tourism revenue. The country is currently grappling with an economic crisis and is in need of significant financial assistance to rebuild areas devastated by conflict.
