During their meeting, Prince Faisal and President Joseph Aoun discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region. The Saudi Foreign Minister reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for Lebanon and its people. He conveyed greetings from King Salman, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, wishing President Aoun, the government, and the Lebanese people further prosperity and development.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari, Assistant Director General of the Minister’s Office Walid Al-Samaeel, and Prince Yazid bin Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Farhan, the Foreign Minister’s advisor on Lebanese Affairs.

In a subsequent press briefing, Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Lebanon, stressing the importance of reforms in boosting international trust in the country.

He also discussed the significance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement, expressing confidence in President Joseph Aoun and his prime minister’s ability to restore stability in Lebanon.

“We trust their ability to stabilise the country,” he said.

President Aoun welcomed the visit, interpreting it as a sign of hope and expressing his gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its support, particularly in helping to fill the gap left by the presidential void. He also expressed his hope that Saudi Arabia would send more visits to Lebanon in the future.

Aoun noted that five nations, including Saudi Arabia, played a crucial role in resolving Lebanon’s presidential crisis and supporting his election as president.

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Mohammed bin Salman replaces Mohammed bin Nayef as crown prince. Mohammed bin Nayef is a counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency expert who is well-respected in the kingdom and outside. He has been relieved of all his responsibilities.

The royal decree said that the decision by King Salman to promote his son was endorsed by 31 out of 34 members of the Allegiance Council, which comprises members of the ruling Al Saud family.

The decision is expected to empower Prince Mohammed bin Salman to pursue his plans to transform the economy of the kingdom.

As deputy crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman was heading the Council for Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA), which is a group of cabinet ministers who meet weekly to discuss policy. He had been laying down the oil policy of the country, spearheading the war in Yemen and working on a blueprint for economic reforms, which includes reducing subsidies.

The prince is popular among the youths, who comprise about half the population of the kingdom.

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