Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a significant move to mend strained relations, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Riyadh on March 3, 2025, marking the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to Saudi Arabia in six years. This visit underscores a mutual desire to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. For many, it symbolizes a potential turning point in a relationship that has been fraught with political tensions and economic challenges in recent years.Saudi Arabia’s Economic Transformation: A Step in Progress
Historical Context of Lebanese-Saudi Relations
Lebanon and Saudi Arabia have shared a long-standing relationship characterized by economic cooperation and diplomatic support. Saudi Arabia has been a significant ally of Lebanon, providing substantial financial aid and investment, particularly during times of crisis. This partnership has been instrumental in stabilizing Lebanon’s economy and maintaining a delicate political balance in the country.
However, in recent years, relations have soured significantly. A key point of contention has been the increasing influence of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shia militant and political group, within Lebanese politics. Saudi Arabia views Hezbollah’s influence as a direct extension of Iran’s regional ambitions, which conflicts with Riyadh’s interests in maintaining a sphere of influence in Lebanon and curbing Tehran’s reach.
Tensions peaked in 2021 when a Lebanese minister’s comments criticizing Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the Yemen conflict led to a full-blown diplomatic crisis. In response, Riyadh recalled its ambassador from Beirut, imposed economic sanctions, and banned Lebanese imports, a move that further crippled Lebanon’s already struggling economy. These actions not only strained political relations but also disrupted the livelihoods of many Lebanese businesses dependent on Gulf markets.
The financial fallout was severe. Lebanon’s economy, already reeling from hyperinflation, political paralysis, and the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion in 2020, was pushed closer to collapse. The ban on Lebanese agricultural products and the suspension of Gulf tourism dealt a substantial blow to foreign exchange inflows, exacerbating a crisis marked by a depreciating currency and rising poverty levels.
President Aoun’s Agenda in Riyadh
President Aoun’s visit comes at a crucial time for Lebanon, which is in desperate need of economic lifelines and political stability. His agenda in Riyadh is focused on three primary objectives:
- Reactivating Economic Assistance: Lebanon is seeking the reactivation of a $3 billion aid package for the Lebanese army, which was suspended in 2016. This financial support is critical for bolstering Lebanon’s defense capabilities, particularly amid growing security threats along its borders. The Lebanese army has been a key institution in maintaining internal stability, especially given the political vacuum and sectarian divides that plague the country.
- Lifting Economic Sanctions and Trade Restrictions: President Aoun is also expected to negotiate the lifting of the Saudi-imposed ban on Lebanese imports and the travel advisory against Lebanon. Restoring trade relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is seen as vital to Lebanon’s economic recovery. With Lebanon’s banking sector in crisis and foreign reserves dwindling, resuming agricultural and industrial exports to Saudi markets could provide a much-needed economic boost.
- Addressing Regional Security Concerns: Regional security, particularly the situation in southern Lebanon, is another focal point of the discussions. Saudi Arabia has expressed concerns about the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a demilitarized zone in southern Lebanon and the disarmament of all militias. Riyadh’s insistence on Hezbollah’s disarmament remains a contentious issue, with Hezbollah’s leadership refusing to relinquish its arsenal. Aoun’s challenge lies in balancing these demands without triggering internal conflict or alienating a significant portion of Lebanon’s population.
Efforts to Mend Diplomatic Ties
Efforts to normalize relations began months before Aoun’s visit, with back-channel diplomacy playing a crucial role. French mediation was instrumental in paving the way for the visit, with Paris pushing for a broader international effort to stabilize Lebanon. The appointment of a new Saudi ambassador to Beirut earlier this year was seen as a positive signal, indicating Riyadh’s willingness to re-engage with Lebanon diplomatically.
Additionally, there have been signs of a broader thaw in Saudi-Iran relations, which could indirectly benefit Lebanon. Recent reports of Saudi-Iran talks, facilitated by regional players like Oman and Iraq, suggest a possible de-escalation in proxy conflicts across the Middle East. For Lebanon, reduced regional tensions could ease internal pressures and create a more conducive environment for dialogue and economic recovery.
Challenges Ahead for Lebanese-Saudi Relations
Despite the optimism surrounding Aoun’s visit, significant challenges remain:
- Hezbollah’s Role in Lebanese Politics: Saudi Arabia’s primary concern is Hezbollah’s influence, which it views as a proxy for Iranian interests. The group’s extensive military capabilities and its involvement in regional conflicts, such as in Syria and Yemen, complicate efforts to normalize relations. Riyadh is likely to demand assurances that Lebanon will distance itself from Iranian influence, a demand that Beirut might find difficult to meet without risking internal stability.
- Economic Reforms and Anti-Corruption Measures: Saudi support is expected to be conditional on Lebanon’s commitment to substantial economic reforms. The international community, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has repeatedly called for measures to combat corruption, improve fiscal governance, and implement structural reforms. Failure to address these issues could deter Saudi investment and prolong Lebanon’s economic crisis.
- Geopolitical Tensions in the Region: Broader geopolitical dynamics, including the conflicts in Yemen and Syria, continue to influence Lebanese-Saudi relations. Saudi Arabia’s strategic priorities in the region might limit its willingness to compromise on key issues concerning Hezbollah and Iranian influence in Lebanon.
International Reactions and the Road Ahead
The international community has reacted cautiously to Aoun’s visit, viewing it as a potential breakthrough in Middle Eastern diplomacy. The United States and European Union have expressed support for efforts to stabilize Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of preserving its sovereignty and political independence. However, they have also stressed the need for comprehensive reforms and transparency in Lebanon’s governance.
For Lebanon, the success of Aoun’s visit could determine the country’s economic and political trajectory in the coming years. A return to normalized relations with Saudi Arabia could unlock financial aid, boost investor confidence, and provide a pathway to resolving Lebanon’s deepening crisis. Conversely, a failure to reach an agreement could further isolate Lebanon and prolong its economic hardships.
In conclusion, President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal moment in Lebanese diplomacy, offering a chance to restore a historically significant relationship. While challenges persist, the commitment to dialogue and cooperation signals a hopeful path forward for both nations. The coming days will reveal whether this visit can indeed bridge the divide and pave the way for a new era of Lebanese-Saudi relations.
