Saudi FM in Lebanon for first visit in almost 15 years

AFP , Thursday 23 Jan 2025

Saudi Arabia's top diplomat landed in Beirut on Thursday to meet the country's new leadership in the first visit by a high-ranking official from the kingdom after more than a decade of strained ties.

Faisal bin Farhan arrived at Rafik Hariri International Airport
A still from a video shows Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, arriving at Rafik Hariri International Airport X

 

"The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, arrived at Rafic Hariri International Airport," Lebanon's official National News Agency reported.

He is set to meet Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun.

Lebanese leaders have pinned hopes on wealthy Gulf states for desperately needed reconstruction funds in the aftermath of the recent devastating Israeli war on the country.

Before his visit, Prince Faisal said Aoun's election was "extremely positive" but said the kingdom was waiting to see real change before engaging further with Beirut.

Riyadh was a major investor in Lebanon, but ties between the two countries have soured over the past decade or so over the growing influence of Hezbollah.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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