Beirut: Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic Abdel Latif Derian received on Monday Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari at Dar al-Fatwa, where they discussed the current Lebanese situation.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the meeting underscored support for the Lebanese Army and its role in monopolizing weapons and deploying in southern Lebanon, a step seen as strengthening state sovereignty over all Lebanese territory. The army's deployment was described as the sole security and military guarantee for border protection, restoring confidence in the state, reassuring citizens, and accelerating reconstruction with international assistance.
The statement stressed that Lebanon's recovery and revival can only be achieved through the complete monopoly of arms by the state across all Lebanese territory, the completion of reforms, support for the presidency and government, swift implementation of the ministerial statement, respect for the constitution and the Taif Agreement, and reinforcement of national unity.
Ambassador Bukhari reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to Lebanon's security and stability, its support for the state, institutions, and people, and highlighted the strong relationship with Dar al-Fatwa on Islamic and national issues.
For his part, Mufti Derian expressed hope for a political and security settlement, praising the efforts of the five-nation committee to help Lebanon overcome its crises and avert wider Israeli escalation.