Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Beirut, Walid Bukhari, speaks with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berry in Ain al-Tineh on Sept. 9, 2021. (Credit: File photo from Berri's press office)
BEIRUT — Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari was received Tuesday morning by Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at the latter’s Ain al-Tineh residence. Bukhari returned to Lebanon a week ago following a monthslong diplomatic spate between Lebanon and several Gulf monarchies, including Saudi Arabia.
Here’s what we know:
• Last week, Bukhari invited an array of politicians and local ambassadors to an iftar at his residence in Yarze. Among the invitees were: ambassadors of France and the United States in Lebanon, Anne Grillo and Dorothy Shea, UN representative Joanna Wronecka, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, former presidents Amine Gemayel and Michel Sleiman, former heads of government Fouad Siniora and Tammam Salam, leader of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Joumblatt, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel.
• Two days after the iftar, Boukhari spoke with the President Michel Aoun at Baabda and affirmed that Saudi Arabia “wants to help the Lebanese people.” For his part, Aoun insisted on the “need to strengthen bilateral relations and activate them at all levels.”
• In October 2021, comments by then Information Minister George Kurdahi on Saudi Arabia’s role in the war in Yemen sparked tensions between Lebanon and the Gulf countries, leading the kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait to recall their diplomats from Lebanon.