Saudi Arabia

Lebanese Sovereignty, Cooperation and Economic Recovery at the Heart of J. Aoun's KSA Discussions

Saudi Arabia and Lebanon stressed on Tuesday the importance of strengthening Arab cooperation and coordinating the two countries' positions on major regional and international issues. In a joint statement issued at the end of President Joseph Aoun's visit to Saudi Arabia, the two sides reaffirmed the need for the full implementation of the Taif ...

The Anticipated Return of Lebanese-Saudi Relations

Trade relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia have long been prosperous, with Lebanese exports reaching over $800 million per year and Saudi imports totaling $1.3 billion. However, political tensions have severely affected these exchanges, reducing their volume by more than half and causing a considerable loss of revenue for Lebanon. Could the ...

Lebanon Embraces Change as Aoun Presses for Hezbollah’s Inescapable Disarmament

There is no longer any doubt that the dramatic developments in Lebanon and the broader region have fundamentally shifted the balance of power, with no possibility of turning back. The wind of change is blowing softly, and those who wish to be part of the path to peace and stability in the Middle East must act quickly before it’s too ...

Aoun in Riyadh: "An Opportunity to Reaffirm Strength of Bilateral Ties"

President Joseph Aoun declared upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia on Monday, during his first official visit abroad: “it is an opportunity to reaffirm the depth of Lebanese-Saudi relations and to express appreciation for the role played by the Kingdom in supporting Lebanon’s stability, safety, and constitutional institutions.”   Aoun ...

The President in Riyadh: Back to the Fundamentals

The President in Riyadh: Back to the Fundamentals Two brief yet decisive statements that speak volumes: “Lebanon has endured enough from other people’s wars” (on its territory); “The decision of war and peace must rest solely with the state.” President Joseph Aoun has repeated these words on multiple occasions, capturing with striking ...

A New Chapter for Lebanon in Saudi Arabia and the Arab Summit

The first visit of President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, to Saudi Arabia marks the beginning of a series of future visits to the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly expressed its willingness to support a Lebanon that is committed to reforms, stability, and fostering strong ties both with the international community and Arab countries. This ...

President Aoun to Asharq Al-Awsat: Only the State Can Decide on War and Peace

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun outlined his presidential agenda in his first televised interview on Friday, broadcast on the platforms of the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat and Asharq News. The president stressed that “only the state can bear the responsibility for protecting Lebanon’s territory and people,” reaffirming his commitment to ...

President Aoun in KSA: Will He Succeed in Restoring Bilateral Ties?

For his first official visit abroad, President Joseph Aoun will head to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, then to Cairo for an extraordinary Arab League summit two days later. These visits could mark a turning point in Lebanon's diplomatic relations with the Arab world, particularly with Saudi Arabia, and potentially usher in a new era of bilateral ...

Witkoff: Lebanon and Syria Could Potentially Join Abraham Accords

Steve Witkoff, appointed by President Donald Trump as the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, has been playing a pivotal role in advancing peace initiatives in the region. His strategic insights and diplomatic skills have solidified his reputation as a key figure in advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives. After voicing optimism at efforts to ...

The Role of the US, EU and Arab Countries in Syria’s Economic Future

The Partial Lifting of European Sanctions Is Insufficient The partial lifting of European sanctions on Syria is a positive step that could help accelerate economic recovery. However, this measure remains inadequate given the urgent need for support. While some Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, notably Qatar and Saudi Arabia, are willing ...

Turkey Says Ukraine-Russia Talks Should Involve 'Both Sides'

Turkey's foreign minister on Monday said Ankara backed a US initiative to end the Ukraine-Russia conflict but stressed that talks should involve both warring sides. Moscow and Washington have begun a direct dialogue in recent weeks, against a backdrop of rapprochement between new US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. "We ...

Russia's top diplomat arrives in Turkey

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Turkey late Sunday, Moscow's state news agency TASS reported, a day ahead of talks with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan. Turkish diplomatic sources had said that Lavrov would visit Turkey Monday, the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. TASS released footage Sunday of Lavrov ...