Saudi Ambassador to Beirut Waleed Bukhari stressed on Monday that the Kingdom “will not spare an effort” in helping resolve Lebanon’s many crises.
He met with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif al-Derian at Dar al-Fatwa in Beirut for talks on Lebanon and the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza and the Palestinian people, reported the National News Agency.
He declared that the Kingdom “supports all Arab and Islamic causes,” especially amid the suffering in Gaza and the Palestinian Territories.
For his part, Derian highlighted Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in Lebanon, adding that “Dar al-Fatwa is keen on maintaining cooperation with Arab brothers, especially Gulf Cooperation Council countries, led by Saudi Arabia.”
He stressed that Saudi Arabia has always “embraced Lebanon and its people, as well as Arab and Islamic causes,” reported NNA.
Moreover, he hoped the efforts of the Kingdom and the quintet would lead to a solution, as soon as possible, for the election of a new president, which would help restore normal operations at state institutions.
Also on Monday, Bukhari received former President Michel Suleiman at his residence in Yarze.
Suleiman’s office said the officials discussed bilateral relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia and means to bolster and develop them. They also reviewed the latest political developments in Lebanon, most notably the presidential elections.
They covered the situation in Gaza and southern Lebanon and issues of common interest.
Lebanon has been without a president since October 31, 2022 when the term of Michel Aoun ended with the political parties failing to agree on a successor. Numerous presidential elections sessions have been held at parliament, with bickering and divisions between the parties leading to the current impasse.
