Lebanese president heads to Saudi Arabia

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Saudi Arabia yesterday for his first trip abroad since taking office earlier this year, the presidency and Saudi media said.
Aoun, a former army chief, was elected on January 9, ending a more than two-year power vacuum amid a crippling political and economic crisis.
Aoun said he would meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, later.
“I look forward with great hope to the talks I will hold with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this evening,” the Lebanese presidency posted on X, as Saudi TV station Al Arabiya also reported his arrival.
He said he hoped their talks would “pave the way for a later visit in which agreements strengthening co-operation between the two brotherly countries will be signed”, a statement from the presidency said.
Aoun told Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat on Friday that he would “seek, if possible, to reactivate military aid”. The president added that 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 relations in the interest of both countries and overcome recent obstacles,” he said.
He voiced hopes of “building normal economic ties”, saying Lebanon could align with “Vision 2030” – Riyadh’s initiative to diversify its economy beyond oil.
“This would allow the Saudis to return to their second home, Lebanon, while Lebanese look forward to reconnecting with Saudi Arabia,” he said.