After Iran offer, Saudi envoy visits Lebanon

Riyadh and Tehran are two regional arch-rivals

By Wassim Saif al-Din

BEIRUT (AA) – A Saudi envoy on Wednesday reiterated the kingdom’s support for Lebanon, one day after a visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to Beirut.

Speaking during a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Nizar bin Sulaiman Al-Alula said Riyadh was keen on bolstering cooperation with Beirut in all fields, according to a statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency.

The Saudi envoy will meet with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and other officials later Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Zarif offered Iranian help to provide the Lebanese army with military assistance.

Saudi Arabia supports several political forces led by Hariri in Lebanon, against the Shia group Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

Riyadh and Tehran are two regional arch-rivals.

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