BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Monday that his visit to Saudi Arabia represents an opportunity to reaffirm the depth of relations between the two nations.
He expressed appreciation for the Kingdom’s role in supporting Lebanon’s stability, safety, and the functioning of its institutions, as well as the various forms of assistance provided by Riyadh.
The president’s remarks came as he arrived in the Saudi capital in response to an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Aoun, in his first trip abroad as president, expressed hope that discussions with the crown prince will further enhance cooperation between the two nations.
The Lebanese president said that 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.”
Aoun arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh in the afternoon, accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Raji.
Aoun and his delegation are scheduled to travel to Cairo on Tuesday to participate in the extraordinary Arab summit.
In Beirut, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized during his visit to Dar Al-Fatwa and his meeting with the Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan that the government had initiated reforms in Lebanon following last week’s vote of confidence.
Salam said all efforts would be taken to end Israeli military operations in Lebanon, and that “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 the government would prioritize critical issues “with a focus on living conditions, as well as essential matters such as water, electricity, roads, and the economic, social, and financial situation, particularly the depositors’ funds.”
He emphasized that “the government will ensure justice in all cases, appoint the most qualified individuals to fill vacancies, maintain balance, and protect everyone’s rights.”
He pledged to address “the plight of detainees who have not been tried for years, some of whom have exceeded their trial periods, particularly the so-called Islamist detainees. Justice must ultimately prevail, with offenders punished and innocents released.”
The Interior Ministry stepped up security measures to maintain public order and ensure the safety of citizens after a security meeting chaired by Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar on Monday, emphasizing the importance of coordination between security agencies.
On Sunday night, Burj Al-Barajneh was the site of a shooting incident that led to the death of one person not involved in the altercation.
The mayor of Burj Al-Barajneh, Atef Mansour, said that Mohammed Wissam Al-Itawi was killed by gunfire exchanged between gangs.
Mansour called on the state to work “through its security apparatus to find an immediate and decisive solution to these dangerous recurrent acts of lawlessness.”
Such attacks are claiming the lives of innocent people due to clashes between gangs involved in theft, drugs, and violence, he said.
“Swift action, with an iron fist, is urgently needed” to stop the menace, he added.
“It is time to end this by effectively deploying the army and internal security forces to protect citizens. This is a demand shared by all, without exception.
“Everyone is calling for the streets to be secured and corrupt criminals to be confronted. The citizens can no longer tolerate this lawlessness and the destruction of property by outlaws.
“Citizens must feel the presence of the state and its ability to protect them from violent armed gangs that have no regard for human life. The state is the only entity capable of providing security and safety to its citizens across Lebanon and shielding them from this harsh reality,” the mayor added.
In recent developments along the southern border, a Lebanese citizen was injured by Israeli gunfire while attempting to inspect his home in the border town of Kfar Kila.
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.
Additionally, Israeli soldiers carried out an incursion into the border plain of Al-Abbassieh, detaining a farmer who was working on his land and later releasing him.
This comes after Israeli forces opened fire on a group of citizens traveling on the Odaisseh–Kfar Kila road on Sunday evening.
On Monday morning, an Israeli military drone flew over Mansouri and Byout Al-Saiyad in the Tyre district, playing an audio recording accusing Hezbollah of obstructing the Lebanese Army’s enforcement of UN Resolution 1701.
