RIYADH: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun leading a high-level delegation arrived in Riyadh on Monday to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia.
He was received by the Deputy Governor of the Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, and senior officials upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
This is Lebanon’s first head of state to visit Saudi Arabia in six years. Aoun praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in supporting and stabilising Lebanon and expressed his hope to further strengthen ties with the Kingdom.
“I look forward to the talks I will have with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this evening,” Aoun said upon his arrival.
Aoun said he chose Saudi Arabia as his first destination because of its “historic links” with Lebanon and its role as a regional and global player.
“I hope and expect that Saudi Arabia will help us reset ties in the interest of both countries and overcome recent obstacles,” he told Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat in an interview Friday.
He expressed hope of “building normal economic ties”, saying Lebanon could align with “Vision 2030”. “This would allow the Saudis to return to their second home, Lebanon, while the Lebanese look forward to reconnecting with Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Aoun, who took office in January this year, has vowed to usher in a new era where the Lebanese state will hold a “monopoly on weapons.”
