Lebanese Foreign Minister Jubran Bassil has described relations between his country and Saudi Arabia as "historic and deep rooted." Speaking to Al-Riyadh Arabic paper, sister publication of Riyadh Daily, Bassil praised the Lebanese expatriates in Saudi Arabia for their contributions to Saudi Arabia's development and prosperity, and their readiness to contribute towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030. Replying to a question on the reported drop in Saudi investments in Lebanon, Jubran said his country welcomed all investors, particularly from Saudi Arabia."We welcome Saudi investments in infrastructure and tourism projects," he said, adding that Lebanese entrepreneurs could also play a role in fulfilling the objectives of Vision 2030. Asked about the most important issues raised during the visit of President Michel Aoun to Riyadh, Jubran said the talks touched on normalization of relations between the two countries for their mutual interests. On the political situation in Lebanon after the formation of a new government in Beirut, the minister said the country was witnessing a new era. It was striving for stability and was seeking to reactivate its constitutional institutions to rid itself of all barriers that hindered progress and stability of his country as well as that of the region. Jubran asserted that the well-being of Lebanon was an integral part of the region's stability and development. "Of course, the size of Lebanon being what it is, it cannot impose stability in the region. However, Lebanon can contribute to this process by simply ceasing to be a source of instability in the region." On terror-related incidents in his country, Jubran said that terrorism was being forced into the country by outside forces. The Lebanese people were themselves the real victims of cross border terrorism, he said. "We look forward to our brethren extending a helping hand in our battle against terrorist militias so that we can maintain the security and stability of the region." Jubran said Lebanon was suffering from Israeli state terrorism as well as at the hands of the terror groups, Daesh and the Al-Nusra Front. Asked about his country's plans to recover from years of instability and play a key regional role, he said this can be achieved through the peaceful succession of power, maintaining internal harmony, and following the principles of democracy. He stressed that economic prosperity was a key factor in ensuring stability and solidity in his country.
