Saudi-Lebanese relations have had their ups and downs based on regional events, though they are essentially deep-rooted from the time Camille Chamoun, the first Lebanese President, visited Saudi Arabia and met with the Kingdom's founder, late King Abdulaziz. The high value of the recent visit by Lebanese President Michel Aoun to Saudi Arabia can be gauged from the fact that he has chosen the Kingdom to be the first country for his maiden political tour overseas. It emphasizes the Kingdom's important and leading role at the Arab, Islamic and international levels. In fact, Saudi Arabia has become symbolic of the new phase of joint Arab cooperation, based on mutual respect, common interests and non-interference in affairs of others. The Lebanese government, people, residents and expatriates are waiting eagerly for tangible results of the visit. We believe that the visit will lay down the foundations for a new phase of relations, with the Kingdom extending its economic and military support to Lebanon. Such support is always extended through the Lebanese state rather than via unofficial channels. In an exclusive interview with Al-Riyadh Arabic daily, sister publication of Riyadh Daily, the Lebanese ambassador to the Kingdom noted that the Lebanese private sector inside and outside Lebanon had shown keen interest in contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030. Lebanese investors have done well in some sectors and they could make valuable contributions to the Saudi Vision. In terms of politics, the consolidation of Lebanon's position within the Arab nation is an important outcome of the renewed strengthening of Saudi-Lebanese relations. The special nature of Saudi-Lebanese relations, wherein socioeconomic, political and even security factors come together, underscores the importance of the Lebanese President's visit. It reflects the Kingdom's status and position as a base point for all brotherly countries in the Arab world.
