- 27
- Feb.
- 2025
For his first official visit abroad, President Joseph Aoun will head to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, then to Cairo for an extraordinary Arab League summit two days later.
These visits could mark a turning point in Lebanon's diplomatic relations with the Arab world, particularly with Saudi Arabia, and potentially usher in a new era of bilateral cooperation. Both political and economic expectations are high for the outcomes of these visits.
In recent years, Lebanon's relations with Saudi Arabia have been strained, largely due to foreign interference—especially from Iran—, political decisions by factions like the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), whose former leader, Michel Aoun, forged an alliance with Hezbollah, Iran's main proxy in Lebanon, and the country's instability compounded by corruption.
Today, President Joseph Aoun seeks to redefine Lebanon’s image, presenting a vision of a new Lebanon grounded in the principle of “army, people, state,” as outlined in his inaugural speech. This contrasts with Hezbollah's “army, people, resistance” narrative, which he argues is no longer relevant. This shift also forms the foundation of Nawaf Salam’s government, formed on February 8, which subsequently earned parliamentary confidence after two days of voting.
The Restoration of a Complex but Essential Relationship
This is not Joseph Aoun’s first visit to Saudi Arabia. Prior to his election as president, the former Army Commander visited Riyadh in December 2024, at the invitation of his Saudi counterpart, General Fayad bin Hamed al-Ruwaili. The discussions focused on “cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries, particularly on how Riyadh could support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in addressing the numerous challenges they face, enabling them to fulfill their mission of safeguarding Lebanon's security and stability.”
Caught in an unprecedented security crisis triggered by the war in which Hezbollah has dragged the country against its will, Lebanon is also facing a profound political, economic, and social cataclysm. The country must now confront multiple challenges: first, to rebuild its institutions and emerge from the abyss it has been sinking into since at least 2019; and second, to regain the trust of the regional and international community and secure the promised financial and political support.
This task is made even more difficult by Saudi Arabia’s shift from its former “philanthropist” role to a more pragmatic and cautious approach to aid. Assistance is now carefully measured and contingent upon tangible guarantees from President Joseph Aoun to the Saudi authorities. These conditions are so stringent that, to secure Saudi support, Lebanon must undertake significant reforms.
A Strategic Visit: The Economy at Stake
On Thursday, Mohammad Abou Haidar, Director General of the Ministry of Economy, revealed that 22 agreements are expected to be signed soon, likely during a second visit by President Joseph Aoun to Saudi Arabia. “These agreements are pending legal and logistical adjustments before being finalized and presented to the president,” Abou Haidar explained in an interview with This is Beirut. “Meetings are scheduled with Aoun’s economic advisor and the relevant ministers to facilitate this process,” he added.
The previewed agreements cover a wide array of sectors, including trade cooperation, exhibitions, intellectual property, consumer protection, cereals, environmental issues, agriculture and water, education and higher education, culture (especially with regard to Dar al-Fatwa), housing, information, investment in maritime transport, exports, civil defense, justice, quality systems, customs, military defense, counterterrorism, and combating tax evasion. They also include cooperation between Lebanon's Central Bank (BDL) and the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, as well as between the civil aviation authorities of both countries. “We are optimistic about the resumption of cooperation with the Kingdom, the renewal of Saudi Arabia’s confidence in both Lebanon’s public and private sectors, job creation, and the reduction of unemployment,” emphasized Abou Haidar.
Saudi Arabia was once one of Lebanon’s largest export markets, accounting for roughly 10% of total exports, with trade valued at $700 to $800 million. However, this crucial trade relationship was frozen, particularly in late 2021, after critical remarks by then Lebanese Minister of Information, George Cordahi, regarding Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the Yemen conflict. Initiated in 2014, the conflict pitted the Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, against rebels backed by Iran.
Amid Lebanon's escalating political and economic crisis, Saudi Arabia imposed a blanket ban on all Lebanese imports. Furthermore, trade between the two nations was further strained by the seizure of Captagon pills hidden in Lebanese vegetables destined for the Kingdom.
Hezbollah’s dominance over Lebanon’s political landscape, coupled with the reluctance of its leaders to implement necessary reforms, further contributed to the deterioration of relations.
Towards the Lifting of Travel Restrictions?
A key issue surrounding Aoun’s visit is the potential gradual lifting of travel restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia in 2021, following the incident with George Cordahi, which severely affected Lebanese citizens. Some sources indicate that the removal of these restrictions could be part of the diplomatic discussions between President Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia.
With just three days left until Aoun’s visit to Riyadh, observers are questioning: Will this meeting mark the start of a genuine reconciliation between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, or will it be merely a tactical shift from Riyadh? While the trip could open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, caution is advised. Only tangible results from this meeting will reveal whether Lebanon can overcome its crisis through a renewed alliance with Saudi Arabia.
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