Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (on the left) and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, on March 3, 2025, in Riyadh. Photo: x/Saudi Press Agency
BEIRUT — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday for his first overseas visit since assuming office in January, where he was received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
An official welcoming ceremony was held at al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, after which Aoun and the crown prince held talks in the presence of Saudi and Lebanese officials before meeting privately. SPA footage showed Aoun’s motorcade, escorted by about 10 motorcycles, arriving at the palace, where Saudi soldiers saluted him as Lebanese and Saudi flags flew.
Discussions focused on "developing bilateral relations and preparing the signing of several agreements in various sectors," according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA).
'Depth of Lebanese-Saudi relations'
Aoun’s delegation included Foreign Minister Joe Rajji, Lebanon’s ambassador to Riyadh Fawzi Kabbara, presidential spokeswoman Najat Sharafeddine, head of presidential media office Rafik Shelala, as well as advisors Jean Aziz and Andre Rahhal.
The Saudi side was represented by several ministers, including Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Boukhari and Lebanese affairs committee chair Yazid bin Farhan.
Following these broader discussions, Aoun and MBS held a private 45-minute meeting, while "allowed for continued exchanges on issues of common interest to both countries," according to NNA.
"This visit highlights the depth of Lebanese-Saudi relations and expresses gratitude to the kingdom for supporting Lebanon’s stability, security, and institutions," Aoun emphasized, shortly after his arrival in Riyadh, according to the presidency's X account. He also thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting Lebanese expatriates who have contributed to its economy.
On his arrival at King Khaled Airport in Riyadh, the Lebanese president was welcomed by the deputy emir of the Riyadh region, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Abdulaziz.
Saudi Arabia is Aoun’s first foreign destination since his election on Jan. 9. In late January, he pledged to rebuild Lebanon’s ties with Gulf states, saying he aimed to establish “new foundations for cooperation.” Relations between Lebanon and the Gulf have been strained in recent years due to Hezbollah’s influence and the Kingdom's opposition to it. The Iran-backed group was militarily weakened after its last war with Israel and the killing of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in September 2024, prompting Gulf nations to reconsider their stance toward Lebanon.
During his visit, Aoun is expected to outline his vision for Lebanon’s relationship with Saudi Arabia.
In a meeting with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf on Feb. 23, he said Lebanon was exhausted from the wars of others on its soil and needed stability and economic growth. In a Friday interview with Saudi Asharq al-Awsat, he stressed Lebanon’s commitment to Arab positions on regional issues and its potential role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
After his visit to Riyadh, Aoun will travel to Cairo on Tuesday to attend an Arab summit on the Gaza conflict.