On January 23, 2025, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Beirut, marking the first visit by a Saudi foreign minister in approximately 15 years. This visit follows the recent election of a new Lebanese president and the appointment of a new prime minister.
Upon his arrival, Prince Faisal met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the Baabda Palace, where they held formal discussions. In statements to the media, Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of ongoing support from Saudi Arabia for Lebanon and its people, expressing optimism regarding the country’s future despite regional challenges.
During the meeting, the Saudi minister addressed critical issues, including the necessity for reforms as outlined by President Aoun to help Lebanon navigate its crises. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's confidence in the new Lebanese leadership's ability to implement essential reforms aimed at enhancing the security, stability, and unity of Lebanon.
Furthermore, Prince Faisal discussed the importance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement, which includes the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. He also highlighted the significance of implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and related international resolutions.
Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia is prepared to support Lebanon financially, with plans to deposit up to $2 billion in the Lebanese Central Bank to assist in stabilizing the economy, which has been facing severe challenges since 2019. This financial support is expected to precede the establishment of a Gulf Fund for Lebanon, ensuring transparency through a clearly defined spending mechanism.
Overall, this visit signifies a potential shift in Saudi Arabia's engagement with Lebanon, amid changing political dynamics in the region.