Envoy of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, the Advisor at the Royal court Nizar al-Aloula told Lebanese officials on Monday that “Lebanon remains in the heart and thoughts of the Saudi leadership,” before presenting to Prime Minister Saad Hariri an invitation to visit the Kingdom that Asharq Al-Awsat learned he will answer as soon as possible.
Monday’s visit also opened, wide, the door to a new phase in the mutual Saudi-Lebanese relations.
Sources at the accompanying Saudi delegation told Asharq Al-Awsat that al-Aloula was keen to inform officials he met in Beirut on Monday that Saudi Arabia is working to preserve stability in Lebanon and to respect the country’s sovereignty and unity.
“The Kingdom is fond of Lebanon and its people, a sentiment emanating from the historic brotherly relations between the two brotherly countries and peoples,” the sources said.
Meanwhile, sources close to President Michel Aoun hailed the outcomes of the Saudi envoy’s trip to Beirut, saying it was “more than excellent.”
The sources added that the agenda of the visit signal a new phase in the brotherly relations between both countries.
According to the sources, Aoun told his Saudi guest, “Lebanon and the Kingdom are brothers, and Lebanon is your second country.”
The President stressed that stability in Lebanon paves the way for the return of the Saudis. “Lebanese harbor only the good to Saudis,” he was quoted as saying.
Following his arrival to Beirut on Monday, al-Aloula met with President Michel Aoun at the Baabda palace.
He came accompanied by Saudi Chargé d'Affaires Walid al-Bukhari and Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid al-Yaacoub.
Al-Aloula conveyed to his host a message from Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, hereby maintaining the Kingdom’s support for Lebanon and keenness on solid bilateral ties.
The Saudi envoy later met with head of the Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea and Hariri.
He is meeting on Tuesday with Speaker Nabih Berri, former President Michel Suleiman and former prime ministers, Tammam Salam, Fouad Siniora and Najib Mikati, in addition to head of the Phalange Party, MP Sami Gemayel.
During his stop in Beirut, al-Aloula visited the grave of Martyr Prime Minister Rafic Hariri where he wrote the following in the record book: "Martyr Prime Minister Rafic Hariri will remain a national and Arab symbol and Lebanon will return as the martyr wanted it, free and a beacon to the world."
In a chat with reporters after the meeting, Hariri said: "Saudi Arabia's main objective is for Lebanon to be sovereign. It is also keen on the full independence of Lebanon and we will see how to cooperate with the kingdom regarding the upcoming international conferences."
Commenting on the electoral law, the Prime Minister said: "In my opinion no one has a clear picture of the alliances yet. Negotiations are underway and things will become clearer gradually. The importance of this law is that it shows the dimension of each person. The names of the Future Movement candidates will be announced soon.”
