Saudi-Lebanese relations are at the crossroads of a new era on the political and economic fronts, Lebanese Ambassador to the Kingdom Abdul Sattar Mohammed Issa has said. In an interview with Al-Riyadh Arabic daily, sister publication of Riyadh Daily, Ambassador Issa said the visit of Lebanese President General Michel Aoun to the Kingdom beginning today, reflects the strength and importance the bilateral relations. The ambassador added, "There is no doubt that the visit of the president has important implications, especially so as this is his first trip to the Kingdom since he assumed his position, and comes in response to an invitation from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz." He noted that a large delegation of more than 50 government officials, including nine ministers, led by Foreign Minister Jubran Bassil, is accompanying the President. He will chair a meeting of Saudi and Lebanese businessmen on the second day of his visit to Riyadh. Lebanese Ambassador to the Kingdom Abdul Sattar Mohammed Issa He noted that Lebanese investments, estimated to be more than SR 4 billion, were expected to expand further, especially in view of the keen interest shown by a number of Lebanese businessmen to contribute to the Saudi Vision 2030. The businessmen are looking at several areas, including tourism, recreation, and industry. The Saudi-Lebanese meeting will touch on this important aspect, he said. The issue of the Kingdom's financial assistance to Lebanon to boost its defense capabilities is also likely to be raised during the visit. Issa said that the Kingdom, since its unification spearheaded by King Abdulaziz Al-Saud, had always been standing by the Lebanese government and people. The ambassador said the visit would take bilateral relations to a new level based on mutual respect, which clearly reflects the existing brotherly relations that bind the two peoples.
