In a move with significant political implications, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud is set to visit Beirut on Thursday, marking the first visit by a Saudi official of this level in 15 years. The visit comes as part of Saudi efforts to strengthen relations with Lebanon amid new political developments in the country.

Meetings with New Lebanese Leadership

Prince Faisal is scheduled to meet with newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who was elected after a more than two-year presidential vacancy, as well as Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam. Aoun and Salam's assumption of their positions this month is seen as the beginning of a new phase in a country facing significant economic challenges since the financial crisis that erupted in 2019.

During his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prince Faisal stated that Saudi Arabia views the election of a new president for Lebanon as a positive development. He expressed hope for the formation of a new government soon, adding, "We want to see a genuine commitment to reforms that will help Lebanon move towards a more stable and prosperous future."

Conditions for Saudi Support

Saudi and Lebanese sources confirmed that Riyadh is interested in monitoring the quality of the government that Nawaf Salam will form, emphasizing the need for it to be a "transparent reformist government" that manages aid away from the corruption that has plagued the country in recent years. Saudi Arabia clarified that it will not provide unconditional support as it did in the past but will monitor progress in implementing reforms.

Increasing Regional Interest

Observers see this visit as part of a broader Saudi strategy that includes Lebanon and neighboring Syria. Saudi Arabia plays a prominent role in communicating with the new Syrian government and seeks to restore balance to the region in the face of Iranian influence.

Hopes for Economic Reforms

Recent political moves have led to a rise in Lebanon's international bonds, reviving hopes for the long-awaited implementation of economic reforms. Lebanon faces enormous challenges in rebuilding its economy, which collapsed in 2019 due to unsustainable financial policies and accumulated debt.

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam affirmed his commitment to forming a recovery and reform government that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people, highlighting the importance of gaining the international community's trust through transparency and seriousness in implementing reforms.

A New Framework for Relations

The Saudi visit to Beirut represents a new step towards strengthening relations between the two countries, emphasizing that Saudi support will depend on the Lebanese government's ability to achieve the required change.