National Order of the Cedar awarded by Aoun to Saudi Ambassador Bukhari during farewell visit

BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun received the Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari, in a farewell visit, during which he awarded him the National Order of the Cedar, rank of Grand Officer, the Lebanese Presidency said in a post on X Tuesday.

Aoun praised the role Bukhari played during his tenure in Lebanon, noting that "his efforts contributed to strengthening and developing the fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries across various fields." He also wished him "success in his new duties."

For his part, Bukhari thanked Aoun for awarding him the medal and for the "support" he received throughout his time in Lebanon. He expressed his "hope that Lebanon would regain its brilliance and active role among the countries of the region, and that its people would enjoy security, stability, and prosperity, while remaining a destination and haven for all its admirers and brothers."

Bukhari had served as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Lebanon from 2018 until 2026. During his tenure, he represented Saudi Arabia in diplomatic relations with Lebanese officials and institutions at a time marked by political and economic challenges in Lebanon.