Aoun Vows ‘New Foundations of Cooperation’ with Gulf after Formation of Govt in Lebanon

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya at the presidential palace in Baabda on Friday. (Lebanese Presidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya at the presidential palace in Baabda on Friday. (Lebanese Presidency)
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Aoun Vows ‘New Foundations of Cooperation’ with Gulf after Formation of Govt in Lebanon

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya at the presidential palace in Baabda on Friday. (Lebanese Presidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya at the presidential palace in Baabda on Friday. (Lebanese Presidency)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Friday that “new foundations of cooperation” with the Arab Gulf will be established after the formation of a new government.

He made his remarks after receiving Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya at the presidential palace in Baabda. He later also received Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi.

Their visits followed Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah who was in Beirut on Thursday. It was the first visit by a Saudi FM to Lebanon in 15 years.

Aoun underscored to the Kuwaiti FM that the unity of Arab countries is the basis for confronting current challenges, said the Lebanese Presidency.

“I am certain that you will be generous in offering aid to your brothers in Lebanon who are eager for your return here,” he added.

Al-Yahya told Aoun that his visit aimed to “show support and express the commitment to stand by Lebanon.”

Meanwhile, Al-Budaiwi underlined support to Lebanon and its sovereignty and non-interference in its internal affairs.



Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
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Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah reiterated on Friday the Kingdom’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Prince Faisal had arrived in Damascus on Friday where he held talks with its de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Speaking at a press conference with Sharaa, he stressed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Syrian people.

He expressed his delight at visiting Damascus, stating that Saudi Arabia will back Syria’s security, stability and revival.

Prince Faisal and Sharaa discussed means to support Syria’s security and territorial integrity.  

They tackled efforts to back it on the political, economic and humanitarian levels, underscoring the need to lift sanctions on the country.

“We will continue to work with our brothers in Syria until we reach a final lifting of the sanctions imposed on their country,” Prince Faisal said.

He added that Saudi Arabia has been facilitating dialogue with the US and the EU to push for sanctions relief.

The FM and Sharaa stressed the need to offer Syria all forms of support during its period of transition in order for it to reclaim stability throughout its territories.

Prince Faisal hailed the new Syrian authorities on their openness to holding dialogue with all parties, saying he was confident the people will successfully maneuver this phase and achieve a prosperous and stable future.

He also met with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani, who said Saudi Arabia has offered Syria a lot of support and has constantly stood by its people.

Prince Faisal’s visit “demonstrates this support,” he stated.

Moreover, he said consultations with Saudi Arabia are ongoing on “all levels. There are no reservations or obstacles. Our cooperation will be an important step towards building a better future for the region.”

Syria needs the support of its Arab brothers and is opening a new chapter of cooperation with them as it aspires to be a part of the joint Arab project, he stressed.

He echoed calls for sanctions relief, saying they were a hurdle to stability.

Syria is determined to open a new chapter that focuses on reconstruction, development and investment, he went on to say.