President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon will request the restoration of a $3 billion aid package for the Lebanese army during his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia. This meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is significant for improving relations and addressing Lebanon’s reconstruction needs post-Israeli strikes. Aoun emphasized the necessity of financial reforms for future foreign support, positioning Lebanon for revitalized cooperation with key regional partners.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun plans to visit Saudi Arabia next week to seek the reactivation of a $3 billion aid package for the Lebanese army that was previously suspended. In an interview with Asharq television, President Aoun expressed his intention to discuss the possibility of resuming the grant, which was halted in 2016 due to the lack of condemnation from Lebanon regarding attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran.

Aoun, who served as the commander of the Lebanese army before his election as president on January 9, will meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday. He voiced hope for a correction in the relationship between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, aiming to foster stronger economic and political ties between the two nations.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s historic support of Lebanon through substantial financial packages and aid in reconstruction following the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel conflict, the country has seen Hezbollah’s influence grow, particularly due to Iranian backing. Aoun acknowledged the complex political dynamics at play and expressed hope for renewed cooperation amid changing regional circumstances.

Lebanon currently faces a significant reconstruction challenge resulting from last year’s Israeli strikes, which have left the country in dire need of external support. However, Lebanese officials assert that any foreign assistance, especially from Gulf nations, is dependent on the enactment of long-overdue financial reforms within Lebanon, a commitment Aoun affirmed during his interview.

In conclusion, President Joseph Aoun’s forthcoming visit to Saudi Arabia aims to revive support for Lebanon’s military through a halted $3 billion aid package. The meeting represents a crucial step in addressing Lebanon’s reconstruction needs and improving bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia, particularly in light of recent regional political shifts. Aoun’s commitment to reform and the potential for renewed cooperation may pave the way for future assistance to Lebanon.

Original Source: www.jpost.com

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