Lebanese President Aoun Visits Saudi Arabia to Reset Ties

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has embarked on his first official trip abroad to Saudi Arabia, signaling a potential reset in Lebanese-Saudi relations after years of strained ties due to Hezbollah's influence and its alignment with Iran. Aoun's visit aims to reinforce diplomatic and economic relations, seeking Saudi support in restoring a $3 billion military aid package suspended in 2016. The visit underscores Lebanon's intent to strengthen ties with its Arab neighbors and emphasizes Saudi Arabia's role in supporting Lebanon's stability and economic recovery. Aoun hopes to align Lebanon with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and build normal economic ties. The trip also marks the beginning of a broader effort to revive Lebanon's regional relations, focusing on economic crisis management and regional security issues, particularly concerning Israel. During his discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Aoun will address Lebanon's urgent reconstruction needs and the potential lifting of the travel ban imposed on Saudi citizens to Lebanon.