Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. (Credit: X/@LBPresidency.)
BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun arrived in Kuwait on Sunday for a two-day official visit, stating that the Lebanese "await the return of their Kuwaiti brothers."
This trip is a continuation of Aoun's tour of several Gulf countries with which Lebanon is attempting to restore trust after a series of diplomatic crises. The Lebanese government is also hoping to secure investments that will support Lebanon's recovery after more than five years of severe socio-economic and financial crisis.
Upon arrival, Aoun emphasized that his visit "reaffirms the deep historical and fraternal relations between Lebanon and Kuwait" and expressed the "deep appreciation and gratitude of the Lebanese people for the continuous support provided by Kuwait," which he said "has been and continues to be a strong support for Lebanon in various political, economic, and humanitarian fields."
During his visit, Aoun announced, the Lebanese delegation — which includes Foreign Minister Joe Rajji — will discuss "strengthening cooperation and active bilateral agreements" with Kuwait. "It will be an opportunity to say that the Lebanese are awaiting the return of their Kuwaiti brothers to their second country, Lebanon, especially during the next summer season," Aoun added. Lebanon's tourism sector relies heavily on visits from Gulf country residents.
The meetings in Kuwait will also cover topics such as "the challenges facing the region, issues of common interest, and ways to strengthen joint Arab action in light of the current circumstances," Aoun outlined. "I am convinced that this visit will open new horizons for cooperation between our two countries and our two brotherly peoples."
Yassine al-Majed, the chargé d’affaires of the Kuwaiti embassy in Lebanon, stated on Sunday, according to remarks reported by the National News Agency (NNA), that Aoun’s visit is "an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields" and that it takes place upon the invitation of the Emir Al-Sabah.
According to him, Kuwait wants "to continue to support the stability of Lebanon and the unity of its people," and is ready to stand by its side "regardless of the circumstances." Majed recalled in this regard the humanitarian air bridge that was established during the 2023-24 Hezbollah-Israel war and following the escalation of the Israeli offensive at the end of September 2024, which displaced hundreds of thousands of Lebanese.
In a televised interview on Saturday evening, Aoun had stated that his visit to Kuwait was intended in particular to ensure the "reciprocity" of relations between the two countries after Lebanon "returned to the Arabs, "emphasizing that his country "does not need donations but investments." He also hoped that Kuwait would be a "catalyst" for the restoration of ties between Lebanon and the Gulf petro-monarchies.