Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Bukhari stressed on Monday the Kingdom’s support for Lebanon and keenness on helping it overcome its various crises.
The ambassador met with Maronite Patriarch Beshara Al-Rahi in Diman for talks on efforts carried out by the Quintet Committee to end the vacuum in Lebanon’s presidency.
He briefed the patriarch on the Quintet’s latest meeting.
They discussed French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian’s upcoming visit to Lebanon that will tackle the vacuum and push forward efforts to end the impasse.
Bukhari and Al-Rahi also reviewed the situation in southern Lebanon and the war on Gaza, said a statement from the Patriarchate. Bukhari had left the meeting without making a statement.
Bukhari and Al-Rahi met days after the Quintet met for the first time on Saturday since taking a break for the summer. The Quintet is formed of Bukhari, US Ambassador Lisa Johnson, French Ambassador Hervé Magro, Qatari Ambassador Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian Ambassador Alaa Moussa.
They will resume their efforts to resolve the deadlock over the presidency next week.
Moussa met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, confirming that the Quintet will resume its meetings with Lebanese officials.
Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Aoun ended in October 2022. Bickering among political parties has thwarted attempts to fill the vacuum.
