UPDATE – Saudi crown prince, Lebanese president discuss situation in Lebanon, region

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS, CHANGES HEADLINE

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) – Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held official talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Riyadh on Monday evening to discuss developments in Lebanon and the region.

The talks took place during Aoun's first foreign visit since assuming office in January of this year.

A Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said an official discussion session was held between the two sides at the Royal Court in Al-Yamama Palace, without giving details.

The state news agency SPA said the two leaders reviewed relations between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon and explored ways to support and enhance their ties.

The discussions also dwelt on the latest developments in the region, the broadcaster said.

Aoun's visit comes after an eight-year hiatus in official Lebanese visits to Saudi Arabia. The trip is part of efforts by Lebanese authorities to repair relations with Arab countries and boost Beirut-Riyadh ties.

In statements upon his arrival in Riyadh on Monday, Aoun called his visit to Saudi Arabia “an opportunity to reaffirm the strong Lebanese-Saudi relations.”

The visit “is an opportunity to express Lebanon's appreciation for the role played by the kingdom in supporting Lebanon’s stability, security, and the proper functioning of its constitutional institutions,” he said.

"This visit is also an opportunity to thank Saudi Arabia for welcoming Lebanese expatriates over the years, who have contributed to its urban and economic development,” he added.

Aoun, a former army chief, was elected president on Jan. 9, ending more than two years of a presidential vacuum in the country due to political disagreements.

Last month, Nawaf Salam formed a new government in Lebanon, the first since 2022, after securing votes from 95 members of the 128-seat parliament.