Saudi foreign minister makes first official trip to Lebanon in a decade after years of strained ties
Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat has visited Lebanon for the first time in a decade following years of strained relations between the oil-rich kingdom and the tiny Mediterranean country
BEIRUT — Saudi Arabia's top diplomat visited Lebanon on Thursday for the first time in a decade following years of strained relations between the oil-rich kingdom and the small Mediterranean country.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan's visit comes almost two months after a ceasefire went into effect that halted Israel and the Hezbollah group's war that battered southern Lebanon and destroyed much of the group's military capabilities. It also comes following a lightening insurgency in Syria in December that ousted Bashar Assad and ended decades of his family's rule.
Lebanon this month elected its first president in over two years and appointed a new prime minister. The ascension of both army chief General Joseph Aoun as president, as well as diplomat and former head of the International Criminal Court Nawaf Salam as prime minister-elect, are both seen as major blows to the Hezbollah group.
«We have great confidence in His Excellency the president, and the prime minister designate's ability to work on the necessary reforms to build safety, stability and a united Lebanon,” the prince said after his meeting with Aoun.
The Saudi foreign minister also reiterated Riyadh's support for the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah, calling for the “complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from Lebanese territory.»
He is also scheduled to meet parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, and outgoing caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have been concerned about Iran-backed
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