Riyadh: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam concluded his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Sunday, where he participated in the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the Royal Court at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca, alongside Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the Crown Prince hosted PM Salam for an iftar banquet, followed by a closed meeting during which they discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Salam expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and praised Saudi Arabia for hosting hundreds of thousands of Lebanese employees.
Salam emphasized the importance of enhancing the partnership between the two nations, particularly concerning joint draft agreements. He acknowledged efforts made by both sides to lift the ban on Lebanese exports and to encourage Saudi citizens to visit Lebanon. Moreover, Salam reiterated Lebanon's commitment to implementing financial and institutional reforms to attract investment and boost the economy.
The Lebanese Prime Minister urged Saudi Arabia to support Lebanon's journey towards regaining the confidence of its citizens and the international community. In response, the Saudi Crown Prince reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for Lebanon's prosperity through security, stability, and necessary reforms, urging both countries to seize available opportunities to overcome the ongoing crisis.
Additionally, both parties highlighted the importance of restoring security and stability to Syria, noting the potential negative impact of Syrian disturbances on Lebanon and the wider region. Prime Minister Salam expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia's efforts to resolve outstanding issues between Lebanon and Syria, including border control and demarcation.
Prime Minister Salam's visit began with a dawn prayer at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, where he was accompanied by Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, Prince Yazid bin Farhan Al Saud, and the Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Al-Bukhari.