Riyadh Signals Renewed Support for Lebanon’s Economic Recovery
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has directed the resumption of Lebanese exports to the Kingdom, in a move widely viewed as a major boost for Lebanon’s struggling economy and a sign of improving bilateral relations between Beirut and Riyadh.
The decision was officially conveyed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a phone call with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Wednesday, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Decision Follows Lebanese Requests and Reform Measures
SPA reported that the move came in response to requests made by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and reflects Saudi Arabia’s recognition of the positive steps taken by the Lebanese government toward rebuilding state institutions.
The agency noted that the decision was also based on the progress achieved by specialized teams over the past year, as well as Lebanon’s cooperation with Saudi authorities and its commitment to meeting the required conditions and guarantees.
During the call, Prince Faisal reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and the well-being of its people, while expressing confidence that Lebanese authorities would continue taking the necessary measures to prevent the country from being used as a platform to threaten the security of neighboring states.
Lebanese Leaders Welcome the Move
President Joseph Aoun praised the decision, describing it as a reflection of the deep fraternal ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia and a demonstration of the Saudi leadership’s commitment to supporting Lebanon during its recovery phase.
According to a statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency, Aoun said the reopening of the Saudi market would provide a significant economic stimulus and directly benefit Lebanese producers and exporters across multiple sectors.
Prime Minister: Decision Opens New Opportunities
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also welcomed the announcement, thanking Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for lifting restrictions on Lebanese exports.
In a post on X, Salam described the decision as evidence of the strong historical and brotherly relationship between the two countries and a sign of Saudi confidence in Lebanon.
He added that reopening the Saudi market would create new opportunities for Lebanese businesses, support economic growth, and contribute to greater stability by expanding export prospects for agricultural and industrial producers.
Request Raised During Aoun-Bin Salman Call
The development follows a recent phone conversation between President Aoun and the Saudi Crown Prince, during which the two leaders discussed regional developments and efforts to enhance security and stability.
According to the Lebanese Presidency, Aoun used the call to request the reopening of Saudi markets to Lebanese agricultural and industrial products, emphasizing the importance of Gulf markets for Lebanon’s economic recovery.
The president also highlighted the strict measures adopted by Lebanese authorities to secure export channels and ensure compliance with the standards required to facilitate the return of Lebanese products to the Kingdom.
Economic Impact Expected
The resumption of exports is expected to provide much-needed support to Lebanon’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors, which have faced significant challenges in recent years. Observers view the decision as a positive step toward strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries and restoring trade relations that are vital to many Lebanese producers and exporters.
