Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Riyadh on Monday afternoon on his first official foreign visit nearly two months after being elected as president of the country. The visit comes in response to an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

Upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Aoun and his accompanying delegation were received by Deputy Emir of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman. Those who attended the reception also included Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi (Accompanying Minister), Prince Yazid Al-Farhan, advisor to minister of foreign affairs for Lebanese affairs, Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Bukhari and Lebanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Fawzi Kabbara. The Lebanese president is accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji.

Aoun said, shortly after his arrival in Riyadh, that he is looking forward with great hope to the talks that he will hold with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the evening. "The talks will pave the way for a subsequent visit during which agreements could be signed to enhance cooperation between the two countries. The visit is an opportunity to emphasize the depth of Lebanese-Saudi relations and is also an occasion to express Lebanon's appreciation for the role played by the Kingdom in supporting Lebanon's stability, safety and regularity of the work of its constitutional institutions," he said adding that the visit to Saudi Arabia will also be an opportunity to thank the Kingdom for embracing the Lebanese who came to this country many years ago and continue to do so, and contributed to its urban and economic development.

On January 11, the Crown Prince made a phone call with Aoun, congratulating him on his election as president of Lebanon, and inviting him to visit the Kingdom. Aoun, the former Lebanese army chief was elected in January and his election was welcomed regionally and internationally. The president had previously announced that his first official foreign trip would be to Saudi Arabia.