Saudi Ambassador Walid Bukhari underscored on Saturday the urgency of resolving the political impasse in Lebanon, calling for “the rapid election of a president capable of realizing the aspirations of the Lebanese people.”
In his speech on the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s 93rd National Day, celebrated under the slogan “We Dream and Achieve,” in downtown Beirut, Bukhari emphasized “the shared international responsibility to maintain Lebanon’s stability and safeguard its sovereignty.” He highlighted that “the presidential vacuum raises significant concerns and poses a threat to reaching reforms.”
Bukhari reiterated that “sustainable solutions must emanate from within Lebanon,” stressing that the presidential matter is an internal Lebanese affair. He expressed confidence in the Lebanese people’s ability to shoulder this responsibility.
“We will continue our joint efforts to urge Lebanon’s leaders to elect a president,” Bukhari underscored, adding: “We have confidence in the will of the brotherly Lebanese people, who accustomed us to their resistance to crises and ability to recover from them.”
“Lebanon will remain an oasis of thought and culture of life and will regain its brilliance and active role within the countries of the region, and its people will enjoy prosperity,” he continued.
Furthermore, Bukhari emphasized that “Saudi Arabia is keen on the security and stability of the region and achieving prosperity in all Arab countries.”
The festivities, hosted at Amin Hafez Square near the Roman Amphitheatre in downtown Beirut, below the Grand Serail, symbolized the resurgence of life in the capital and its pivotal role within the Arab region and the world.
The event was attended by political leaders, religious figures, and media personalities.
During the celebration, the Lebanese and Saudi flags were reflected on the Serail walls. At the end, the sky was illuminated with flamboyant fireworks.
Tributes
Earlier on Saturday, several Lebanese political and religious figures extended their congratulations to the Kingdom’s leadership on the occasion of its National Day.
Earlier, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati conveyed his best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underscoring the deep-rooted historical ties between Lebanon and the Kingdom. He expressed his determination to strengthen and preserve these connections.
On his part, the Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for Lebanon as a cornerstone for the entire Lebanese people, irrespective of their affiliations.
“Lebanon, as a nation and people, will never forget the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has consistently supported and assisted its institutions and stood by its side in all critical circumstances,” Sheikh Derian noted.
Furthermore, Jaafari Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Kabalan argued that Lebanon needs both Iran and Saudi Arabia. He contended that “there will be no stability in the region without Saudi Arabia and Iran” and that “destabilizing the region represents the greatest threat to the fundamental interests” of these two states.
Caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Bassam Mawlawi, extended his congratulations to the Kingdom and its leadership on the “X” platform. He lauded Saudi Arabia’s vision of a “robust nation and a united, progressive Arab society.”
MP Ashraf Rifi also conveyed his congratulations to the Kingdom, expressing his confidence that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision has propelled Saudi Arabia to the forefront of promoting tolerance, humanity, and progress, instilling stability and hope in the region for a brighter future.
