President Joseph Aoun. (Photo: NNA)
BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun on Sunday sent a message of congratulations to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS), on the occasion of the 299th 'Foundation Day' of the Saudi Kingdom, which falls on Feb. 22 and commemorates the creation of the first Saudi state by Imam Mohammad bin Saud in 1727.
In his message, Aoun said, “This commemoration reflects the depth and extent of the historical roots of the Saudi state for three centuries,” and paid tribute to “the Kingdom’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region and the prosperity of Arab countries.” He reiterated “gratitude for Saudi Arabia's continued support for Lebanon.”
The mufti and the lawmakers
Lebanon's Grand Mufti, Abdel-Latif Derian, also sent a message of congratulations to Saudi officials. “Saudi Arabia has always supported and continues to support Lebanon and its unity. The Kingdom’s role toward Lebanon stems from the profound fraternity and historical ties uniting the two countries since the era of founding King Abdulaziz Al Saud and his sons, all monarchs who cared about Lebanon’s sovereignty, freedom, and Arab identity,” wrote Derian
MP Ashraf Rifi also congratulated the king and the crown prince, expressing hope that “Lebanese-Saudi relations remain brotherly.” He also highlighted “the Saudi leadership’s role in the stability of the Arab world.”
For his part, lawmaker Fouad Makhzoumi paid tribute to “the leap forward made by the Kingdom under the wise leadership of the king, combined with the ambitious vision of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, which is clearly embodied in Vision 2030.”
Thanking Saudi Arabia for “its constant support for Lebanon,” he also praised “the vision of a leadership that believes in its people’s abilities, works toward diversifying its economy, and a bright future for its coming generations.”
Finally, MP Michel Daher reaffirmed, on the occasion of 'Foundation Day,' “the depth of Saudi history and its pivotal role in safeguarding stability and development in the Arab world and in the region.”
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