Reset in ties expected as Riyadh braces to receive Lebanese president

A reset in Saudi-Lebanese ties is expected as President Joseph Aoun arrives in Riyadh on Monday, his first international destination since his election on Jan. 9.

This is significant because Saudi-Lebanese relations have been deteriorating since the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005 at the hands of Hezbollah. Although Riyadh never broke off bilateral ties officially, the relationship with Beirut has lacked warmth and eventually worsened, given Hezbollah’s provocative statements, its role in exporting captagon and even its provision of military aid and expertise to the Kingdom’s enemies.

Aoun — who was elected without interference from Hezbollah or the Assad regime, given the dramatic changes that saw the former weakened and the latter collapse last December — is expected to reach out to reset the relationship with the Kingdom, where more than 100,000 Lebanese live and work. It is also hoped that a ban on Saudis traveling to Lebanon will be lifted.

Saudi-Lebanese relations have been deteriorating since the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005. 

Faisal J. Abbas | Editor-in-Chief

In his inaugural address, President Aoun sent several — and long-awaited — reassuring messages. He pledged to fight corruption and restrict the right to bear arms and declare war to the government exclusively. And addressing Gulf countries, Aoun pledged that Lebanon will only export “the best of what it has.”

His pledges have been warmly welcomed. In a recent interview, former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki Al-Faisal expressed optimism over the changes occurring in Lebanon.

Talking to Arab News’ “Frankly Speaking” program, he said: “The Kingdom has wholeheartedly supported the actions of the Lebanese parliament in electing the president.”

He rightly pointed out that the Lebanese people were tired of having to be the sacrificial lamb, “for either sectarian or other political factions, whether they be Hezbollah or some other Lebanese parties in the course of the development in the future.”

Prince Turki also said that what he hears from Saudis is “that they’re willing and anxious to be able to go back to Lebanon. Those who have not invested yet, I think, are also thinking of the opportunities there.”

Lebanese people were tired of having to be the sacrificial lamb, for either sectarian or other political factions.

Faisal J. Abbas | Editor-in-Chief

⁠The prince’s sentiments were corroborated by the Lebanese ambassador to the Kingdom, Dr. Fawzi Kabbara. Writing in this newspaper in an exclusive column, Dr. Kabbara states that Aoun’s visit to Riyadh is not just an exercise in diplomacy, but “a pivotal moment that could redefine Lebanese-Saudi relations.”

Dr. Kabbara points out that Saudi Arabia’s support is more significant than ever, serving as a beacon of hope and opportunity for Lebanon’s future.

As such, it is highly likely that Saudi-Lebanese ties are set to soar following the president’s visit. But Lebanon’s road to recovery is going to be a bumpy one; this is why a firm and determined president such as Joseph Aoun deserves full support from Saudi Arabia and the world at large.

• Faisal J. Abbas is the editor-in-chief of Arab News. X: @FaisalJAbbas