Riyadh: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, arrived on Monday afternoon at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, marking his first official trip abroad since his election as President, at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. President Aoun is accompanied by Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raji.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun was received at the airport's royal lounge by the Deputy Emir of the Riyadh Region, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Secretary of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Ayaf Al Saud, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed Al Qasabi, Minister of Foreign Affairs' Advisor and Head of the Lebanese Affairs' Committee Prince Yazid bin Farhan, Riyadh Police Director General Major General Mansour Al-Otaibi, Royal Protocol official Fahd Al Sahil, Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari, and Lebanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Fawzi Kabbara.
Shortly upon his arrival, President Aoun stated that the visit serves "as an opportunity to emphasize the depth of the Lebanese-Saudi relations and an occasion to express Lebanon's appreciation for the role played by the Saudi Kingdom in supporting Lebanon's stability, safety, and the functioning of its constitutional institutions." He further mentioned that the visit also marks an opportunity to express Lebanon's appreciation for the assistance provided by the Kingdom to Lebanon in various sectors.
President Aoun expressed his anticipation for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which he hopes will pave the way for future agreements to enhance cooperation between the two countries. He also highlighted the opportunity to thank the Kingdom for embracing Lebanese expatriates who have contributed to its development.
Following the official welcome ceremony, President Aoun proceeded to his residence at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. He is scheduled to hold official talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace later this evening.