Lebanon’s Aoun thanks MBS for Saudi support to Beirut

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun spoke by phone on Friday, with the latter thanking Riyadh for its support.

According to a readout of the call from Aoun’s office, the two leaders discussed the situation in the region, including Lebanon specifically.

Aoun also asked the Crown Prince to lift the ban on Lebanese products, citing tangible measures taken by Beirut to monitor and protect exports. Saudi Arabia issued a ban in recent years after Lebanon and Syria became exporting hubs for narcotics flooding the Gulf, specifically Saudi Arabia.

MBS promised the Lebanese president to issue directives in this regard, the readout said.

For his part, MBS renewed the Kingdom’s support for Lebanon and its commitment to its sovereignty, independence, and the safety of its territories, “as well as its ongoing efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese people.”