Lebanese president Joseph Aoun makes first official visit to Saudi Arabia

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has departed for Riyadh, marking his first international visit since being elected nearly two months ago.

Upon his arrival in Riyadh, he said that this is an opportunity to reaffirm the deep Lebanese-Saudi relations and express Lebanon's appreciation for the Kingdom's role in supporting its stability, security, and the functioning of its constitutional institutions.

President Aoun added, "I eagerly anticipate my meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this evening, which will lay the groundwork for a future visit to formalize agreements that enhance cooperation between our two nations."

Accompanying him is Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Raji, while Lebanon’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Fawzi Kabbara, is set to join the delegation upon their arrival in Riyadh.

In an official statement, the Lebanese presidency had announced that "President Aoun has left Rafic Hariri International Airport en route to Riyadh, accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Raji."

Prior to his departure, Aoun reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia would be his first international destination, highlighting the Kingdom’s historic role in supporting Lebanon and reinforcing Lebanon’s deep-rooted ties with the Arab world.

Following his visit to Saudi Arabia, Aoun is expected to travel to Egypt to participate in the emergency Arab summit in Cairo on Tuesday.