Lebanon’s Aoun in Saudi Arabia seeking army support, $3 billion grant
Saudi Arabia is pleased with recent political developments in Lebanon, said one expert, and the president wants the kingdom to bolster aid to the Lebanese army amid the implementation of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday on his first foreign visit since assuming office in January. Aoun met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and number of senior officials in the kingdom as the new leadership in Beirut tries to reduce Hezbollah’s influence and garner support for Lebanon’s armed forces.
Aoun was greeted at the airport by Deputy Emir of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Commerce Minister Majed Al Qasabi and a number of other officials. He was scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at 10 p.m. local time (2 p.m. ET), Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported.
لحظة وصول رئيس الجمهورية العماد جوزاف عون إلى المملكة العربية السعودية pic.twitter.com/HZjbnEsJrd
— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) March 3, 2025
Following his arrival, Aoun said he would convey “Lebanon's appreciation for the role played by the Saudi kingdom in supporting Lebanon's stability, safety and the functioning of its constitutional institutions.” He added that the talks with Crown Prince Mohammed would “pave the way” for a future visit and unspecified cooperation agreements to be signed between the two countries. Aoun is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raji, according to the agency.
Aoun, who previously served as commander of Lebanon’s armed forces, was sworn in as president in January, ending a more than two-year vacancy in the presidency following the end of Michel Aoun’s (no relation) term in late 2022.
