Lebanese President Seeks to Rebuild Ties with Saudi Arabia
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia on March 3, 2025, aiming to mend the strained relations between the two nations. This visit marks the first time in six years that a Lebanese head of state has traveled to Riyadh, signaling a potential thaw in a relationship that has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
Saudi Arabia has historically been a key ally and economic supporter of Lebanon, but ties between the two countries have suffered in the past decade due to political conflicts and regional power struggles. The meeting between President Aoun and Saudi leaders is expected to address long-standing issues and explore ways to restore trust and cooperation.
Background of Strained Relations
The relationship between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia has been fraught with tension, primarily due to the influence of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, within Lebanese politics. Saudi Arabia has long viewed Hezbollah as a destabilizing force in the region and has been critical of Lebanon’s inability to curb its influence. The growing power of Hezbollah within the Lebanese government and its military activities across the region have led Riyadh to distance itself from Beirut.
In response to these concerns, Saudi Arabia imposed economic restrictions on Lebanon, including a travel ban on its citizens and a suspension of trade agreements. These measures had a severe impact on Lebanon’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism and foreign investments from the Gulf. Many Lebanese businesses that depended on Saudi trade and financial aid suffered major losses, worsening the country’s already fragile economic situation.
In 2021, relations deteriorated further when a Lebanese minister publicly criticized Saudi Arabia’s military intervention in Yemen against the Houthi rebels. This statement sparked outrage in Riyadh, prompting the kingdom to recall its ambassador and impose additional sanctions on Lebanon. Several other Gulf nations followed Saudi Arabia’s lead, further isolating Lebanon diplomatically and economically.
A New Leadership and Renewed Hope
The election of Joseph Aoun as president in January 2025 brought a new wave of optimism to Lebanese politics. Aoun, who previously served as the commander of Lebanon’s armed forces, is seen as a leader capable of navigating Lebanon through its crises while maintaining a neutral stance in regional conflicts.
Adding to the hope for change, Nawaf Salam, a seasoned diplomat and former head of the International Criminal Court, was appointed as prime minister. His leadership is widely regarded as a move toward diplomacy and reform, signaling a shift away from the dominance of Hezbollah in Lebanese governance. These changes in leadership have been welcomed by many in the international community, including Saudi Arabia, as a sign that Lebanon may be turning a new page.
The visit to Riyadh is being seen as one of President Aoun’s most important diplomatic moves since taking office, as it could pave the way for renewed economic cooperation and political stability.
Objectives of the Visit
President Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia carries several critical objectives that could have a lasting impact on Lebanon’s future:
1. Lifting the Travel Ban
One of Lebanon’s key priorities is persuading Saudi Arabia to lift the travel ban on its citizens. Lebanon’s tourism sector, which was once a major contributor to the economy, has been severely affected by the absence of Gulf tourists. Before the diplomatic rift, Saudi travelers made up a significant percentage of Lebanon’s visitors, boosting hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. By restoring tourism, Lebanon hopes to revive its struggling economy and attract investments.
2. Restoring Trade Relations
Lebanon is seeking to reestablish trade agreements with Saudi Arabia, which were disrupted due to the diplomatic fallout. Saudi Arabia was once one of Lebanon’s top trading partners, particularly in agricultural exports and consumer goods. The loss of this trade partnership has further strained Lebanon’s economy, which has already been suffering from hyperinflation, a banking crisis, and rising unemployment. Renewed trade relations would provide much-needed relief to Lebanese industries and businesses.
3. Securing Military Aid
Another key objective of Aoun’s visit is to discuss the reactivation of a $3 billion Saudi aid package for the Lebanese army. This financial assistance, which was suspended in 2016, was originally intended to help Lebanon strengthen its military and reduce reliance on Hezbollah’s armed forces. Given the fragile security situation in Lebanon, particularly in the aftermath of conflicts with Israel and ongoing border tensions, military support from Saudi Arabia is crucial for maintaining stability.
The Lebanese army plays a vital role in national security, and with proper funding, it could take a more active role in controlling Lebanon’s borders and reducing the influence of non-state military groups. Aoun is expected to emphasize the importance of a strong national army during his discussions with Saudi officials.
Statements and Diplomatic Efforts
Upon his arrival in Riyadh, President Aoun expressed his gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s longstanding support for Lebanon. He highlighted the historical friendship between the two nations and stressed Lebanon’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.
Saudi officials have also shown a willingness to engage in dialogue with Lebanon’s new leadership. The visit follows an earlier trip by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to Beirut in January 2025—the first such visit in 15 years. During his meetings in Beirut, the Saudi foreign minister voiced optimism about Lebanon’s political transition and expressed hope for a more cooperative relationship moving forward.
Regional Implications
The potential improvement in Lebanese-Saudi relations could have far-reaching consequences for the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has been working to counter Iranian influence in the region, and Hezbollah’s stronghold in Lebanon has been a major point of concern. If Lebanon can demonstrate a shift toward political neutrality and a stronger national government, it may encourage further support from Gulf nations and Western allies.
Additionally, improved relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia could lead to increased investment opportunities, not only from the kingdom but also from other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations that follow Saudi Arabia’s lead in foreign policy decisions.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the positive signals, several challenges remain in the path toward stronger Lebanese-Saudi ties:
- Hezbollah’s Influence: Hezbollah remains a powerful political and military force in Lebanon, and its alignment with Iran continues to be a major point of contention for Saudi Arabia. Any efforts to reduce Hezbollah’s role in governance could face resistance from its supporters.
- Economic Reforms: Lebanon’s ability to implement structural economic reforms is crucial for attracting foreign aid and investment. Corruption, mismanagement, and political instability have long plagued Lebanon’s financial system, making reform efforts particularly difficult.
- Regional Stability: Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, could complicate Lebanon’s ability to maintain stable foreign relations.
Conclusion
President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal moment in Lebanese diplomacy. With Lebanon facing severe economic challenges, political uncertainty, and security threats, restoring relations with Saudi Arabia could be a crucial step toward stability and growth.
The success of this diplomatic mission will depend on both nations’ willingness to compromise and find common ground. If Lebanon can demonstrate a commitment to political neutrality, economic reform, and stronger governance, it may once again regain the trust and support of Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining the extent to which this visit translates into tangible benefits for Lebanon’s economy and its regional sta
Do follow gulf magazine on Instagram
for more information click here
