Saudi Arabia, Lebanon Issue Joint Statement, Stress Taif Agreement and Regional Coordination

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Lebanese Republic affirmed the importance of strengthening Arab action and coordinating positions on key issues in the regional and international arenas.
 They also emphasized the importance of the full implementation of the Taif Agreement, the application of relevant international resolutions, the extension of state sovereignty over all Lebanese territories, the exclusive possession of arms by the Lebanese state, reiterating the national role of the Lebanese army, the importance of supporting it, and the necessity of the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from all Lebanese territories.
 This came in a joint statement issued following the visit of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the Kingdom, the text of which reads as follows:
 "At the gracious invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and based on the historical relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Lebanese Republic, President of the Lebanese Republic Joseph Aoun made an official visit on March 3, 2025.
 HRH the Crown Prince received President Aoun at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, to whom he conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his wishes of good health and well-being, and further progress and prosperity to the Lebanese Republic and its brotherly people.
 President Aoun asked HRH the Crown Prince to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for continued good health and well-being, and further growth and prosperity to the brotherly Saudi people.
 The two sides held an official session of talks during which they reviewed the close bilateral relations and ways to develop them in all fields and stressed that Lebanon is an integral part of the Arab ecosystem, and its Arab relations are the guarantee of its security and stability.
 They also exchanged views on the overall current regional and international situations, underscoring the importance of enhancing Arab action and coordinating positions on key issues in the regional and international arenas.
 The two sides agreed to begin assessing the challenges hindering the resumption of exports from Lebanon to Saudi Arabia and the necessary measures to facilitate Saudi citizens' travel to Lebanon.
 They highlighted the importance of adhering to the principles outlined in the presidential oath speech delivered by President Aoun following his election, in which he shared his vision for Lebanon's stability. They emphasized the necessity of fully implementing the Taif Agreement and relevant international resolutions, ensuring the Lebanese state's sovereignty over all Lebanese territory, and confining weapons to the state.
 They reaffirmed the critical role of the Lebanese army, stressed the importance of supporting it, and called for the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from all Lebanese territory.
 The two sides recognized the urgent need for the Lebanese economy to recover and overcome its current crisis, and for initiating internationally required reforms based on principles of transparency and the enforcement of binding laws.
 At the conclusion of the visit, President Aoun expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. HRH the Crown Prince wished the president continued good health and happiness, and the brotherly Lebanese people steady progress and prosperity.
 President Aoun also extended an invitation to HRH the Crown Prince to visit Lebanon, to which the Crown Prince responded with appreciation, welcoming the prospect of the visit."