Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in Riyadh, March 3, 2025. Photo from the Presidency X account
A few months ago, everything seemed to indicate that the Lebanese authorities had succeeded in rebuilding bridges with the Gulf countries, starting with Saudi Arabia, after long years of lukewarm relations. Following his election, President Joseph Aoun deliberately chose Riyadh for his very first official visit. His message to the Kingdom — and, by extension, to the rest of the Arab countries — was clear: the new leadership is determined to restore its ties with its Arab brothers and to uphold the state’s monopoly over weapons, one of the main Arab demands for “re-engaging” with Lebanon.But contrary to expectations, Riyadh has still not lifted the travel ban to Lebanon, which has been imposed on its citizens for years. The reason is clear: Saudi Arabia will not take any steps towards Lebanon until the country makes significant and...
A few months ago, everything seemed to indicate that the Lebanese authorities had succeeded in rebuilding bridges with the Gulf countries, starting with Saudi Arabia, after long years of lukewarm relations. Following his election, President Joseph Aoun deliberately chose Riyadh for his very first official visit. His message to the Kingdom — and, by extension, to the rest of the Arab countries — was clear: the new leadership is determined to restore its ties with its Arab brothers and to uphold the state’s monopoly over weapons, one of the main Arab demands for “re-engaging” with Lebanon.But contrary to expectations, Riyadh has still not lifted the travel ban to Lebanon, which has been imposed on its citizens for years. The reason is clear: Saudi Arabia will not take any steps towards Lebanon until the country makes significant...
