Lebanese president says Saudi Arabia to be 1st destination for foreign visits

In a statement, the Lebanese presidential palace confirmed that President Aoun had received a phone call from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

During the call, the crown prince conveyed the congratulations of King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Aoun's election as the president of Lebanon and extended an invitation for him to visit Saudi Arabia.

In response, Aoun confirmed that Saudi Arabia would be his first foreign visit, emphasizing the country's “historical role in supporting Lebanon” and the importance of Lebanon's Arab identity in shaping its regional relations.

The two leaders discussed "the latest developments and ways to strengthen the unique and historical relationship between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon," according to the statement.

Separately, President Aoun expressed his hope to form a Lebanese government "as soon as possible" to set the country on the right path and begin building bridges of trust with the international community.

During his first meeting with Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian at the Baabda Palace, Aoun reiterated that he is committed to building a state based on justice and equality for all of Lebanon's components.

On Friday, Aoun announced that parliamentary consultations to select a prime minister for the new government would begin on Monday.

Aoun was elected by the Lebanese parliament on Thursday, ending over two years of political vacuum since President Michel Aoun left office in October 2022.