The new Saudi Arabian ambassador to Lebanon, Fahd al-Dossari, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Grand Serail on June 20, 2026. Photo published on the Grand Serail's X account.
Saudi Arabia's new ambassador to Lebanon, Fahd al-Dossari, who arrived in Beirut on June 12, paid a protocol visit to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Grand Serail on Saturday, according to a post published on the Presidency of the Council of Ministers' X account.
Salam welcomed al-Dossari to his "second country," Lebanon, and wished him success in his new role, according to a brief statement released after the meeting.
Al-Dossari succeeds Walid Boukhari, who served as Saudi ambassador to Lebanon from 2018 to 2026. His arrival coincides with Saudi Arabia's decision this week to once again allow Lebanese products into the kingdom after several years of restrictions, amid regional tensions involving Iran and Hezbollah.
The departure of the first ship carrying Lebanese goods to Saudi Arabia was celebrated Saturday at the Port of Beirut by Salam and the new Saudi ambassador, in the presence of journalists invited for the occasion.
Salam thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for his decision to lift the embargo on Lebanese exports to the kingdom.
"Before the embargo, Saudi Arabia was our main export market. Today, with the departure of this shipment, we are reconnecting with these markets, and I sincerely hope that we will not only regain our pre-embargo export levels, but surpass them. Our return to the Saudi market represents hope for thousands of farmers in the Bekaa, the South and the North," the prime minister said.
Salam also welcomed the installation of modern equipment at the ports of Beirut and Tripoli "to monitor goods entering and leaving Lebanon."
"After appointing a new, experienced and competent port authority, followed by a new customs administration, we worked to strengthen control procedures along the Syrian border and intensify efforts to combat smuggling in all its forms. We will never again allow Lebanon to serve as a rear base for hostile acts against our Arab brothers. On the contrary, Lebanon will be a partner in their security, stability and prosperity," he said.
"This decision undoubtedly confirms the kingdom's support for Lebanon's stability and sovereignty over its entire territory. It reflects our confidence that our Lebanese brothers will take all the necessary measures to ensure that Lebanon is not used as a platform for harmful acts," al-Dossari said in turn.
