Lebanese President Joseph Aoun chooses Saudi Arabia for first foreign visit

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced Saturday that Saudi Arabia will be the destination for his first official foreign trip.

Saudi Arabia extends invitation following Aoun’s election

In a statement from the Lebanese presidential palace, it was confirmed that President Aoun received a congratulatory phone call from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Bin Salman extended the congratulations of Salman bin Abdulaziz on Aoun’s election and invited him to visit the kingdom.

Responding to the invitation, Aoun emphasized Saudi Arabia‘s “historical role in supporting Lebanon” and affirmed his choice for a first international visit.

The two leaders also discussed recent developments and ways to strengthen the “unique and historical relationship” between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, according to the presidential statement.

Formation of new government a priority

During his first days in office, Aoun has focused on addressing Lebanon‘s political and economic challenges.

In a meeting with Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, the president reiterated his commitment to establishing a government based on justice and equality.

Aoun expressed hope to form a new government “as soon as possible” and announced that parliamentary consultations to appoint a prime minister will begin on Jan. 13.

The swift formation of a cabinet is seen as a critical step toward restoring trust with the international community and tackling Lebanon’s multifaceted crises.

Ending prolonged political vacuum in Lebanon

Aoun’s election on Thursday by the Lebanese parliament ended a two-year political stalemate following the departure of former President Michel Aoun in October 2022.

The 61-year-old former army chief assumes leadership at a time of deep economic, political, and social turmoil in Lebanon.

Analysts attribute Aoun’s election, in part, to last-minute support from Saudi Arabia. Riyadh’s renewed interest in Lebanon comes amid shifting regional dynamics, including the weakening of Hezbollah following its leadership losses in the recent conflict with Israel and the fall of its ally, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.