Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered on Wednesday the resumption of Lebanese exports to the Kingdom in light of what he called "positive steps" taken by the Lebanese government toward rebuilding state institutions, Saudi state news agency SPA reported.
SPA said the decision came at the request of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud told the Lebanese prime minister that Saudi Arabia supports Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and people, and expects the government to prevent its territory from being used to threaten or harm other Arab countries.
Both Lebanese leaders quickly issued statements thanking the Crown Prince, with Aoun saying the move is “a sincere expression of the deep Arab brotherhood that binds the two sisterly countries, and a manifestation of the Saudi leadership’s commitment to supporting Lebanon and its people during the phase of recovery and renewal it is undergoing.”
He added that the decision would boost Lebanon’s economy, support local producers and exporters, and further strengthen ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
For his part, Salam welcomed Saudi Arabia’s decision to lift the ban on Lebanese exports, saying it reflects strong bilateral ties, boosts confidence in Lebanon, supports economic growth, and opens new opportunities for exporters while deepening cooperation between the two countries.
