Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Al-Bukhari stressed on Friday that the election of a president is an important step in Lebanon’s revival and reconstruction.
He also praised President Joseph Aoun’s inaugural speech after he was sworn in on Thursday, saying it reflected his sense of national responsibility.
“Saudi Arabia will stand by Lebanon, its people and president,” declared the ambassador after holding a series of separate meetings with senior religious figures, including Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif al-Derian, Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai and Sheikh Akl of the Druze community Sheikh Sami Abi Al-Muna.
A statement from Derian’s office said Bukhari expressed the Kingdom’s “relief at holding the election, which was achieved through the unity of the Lebanese people and that revives their hopes.”
The election was “an important step towards Lebanon’s revival and reconstruction, and consolidation of security and stability, and will pave the way for reforms so that it can regain the trust of the Arab and international community,” he added.
For his part, Derian expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia, Arab and friendly countries, parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and all MPs and Lebanese leaderships for their efforts to ensure that the election was held.
He praised them for adhering to the constitution and Taif Accord and Arab principles related to Lebanon’s identity.
“The election of a president puts Lebanon on the path of political breakthroughs that will be followed up with the formation of a new government, revival of state institutions and return of stability,” he remarked.
After meeting al-Rahi, Bukhari said he hoped Aoun’s term will be that of “national consensus and unity, prosperity, development and stability.”
“Saudi Arabia will stand by Lebanon, its people and president,” he stressed.
Al-Rahi expressed his gratitude to the Saudi Ambassador and the quintet for their efforts to ensure that the election is held, wishing Aoun success in his national missions to revive Lebanon and resolve its crises.
