Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Riyadh on Monday at the invitation of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on his first official visit abroad since his election in January.
He said the visit “underscores the depth of Lebanese-Saudi relations and is an occasion to express Lebanon’s appreciation to the role the Kingdom plays in supporting its stability and constitutional institutions.”
He added that he was looking forward to the talks he will hold with Crown Prince Mohammed on Monday that will pave the way for a later visit during which agreements aimed at bolstering cooperation between the fraternal nations will be signed.
Moreover, Aoun stressed the visit will be an opportunity to thank Saudi Arabia for hosting Lebanese people who have flocked to it for several years and who continue to do so, noting their contributions to its construction and economic rise.
During his inaugural speech, Aoun had declared that Lebanon will adopt a policy of “positive neutrality” and will steer clear of regional axes.
Lebanon aims to establish the best relations with fraternal Arab countries given Lebanon’s Arab identity and belonging, he remarked.
