The Saudi Foreign Minister says in Beirut that Saudi Arabia is optimistic about Lebanon in light of the reforms, by Reuters

DUBAI (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia will continue to support Lebanon and is optimistic about the country’s future after a ceasefire ended the war between Israel and the Iran-allied Hezbollah group, the Saudi foreign minister said from Beirut.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud told reporters that he stressed the importance of reforms in his meeting with newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in the first trip by Riyadh’s chief diplomat to Beirut in 15 years.

Prince Faisal said: “I expressed to him our belief in the importance of the reforms he introduced so that Lebanon can overcome its crises.”

The visit reflects seismic political shifts in Lebanon since Israel bombed Hezbollah in last year’s war and since armed opposition ousted Hezbollah’s Syrian ally, Bashar al-Assad, in December.

He added, “The Kingdom views Lebanon’s future with optimism in light of the reform approach that came in the president’s speech after his inauguration.”

He added, “These reforms will enhance the confidence of Lebanon’s partners and open the way for the country to regain its rightful position in the Arab and international spheres.”

Aoun said he would work to ensure that the state has the exclusive right to bear arms, comments that were partly seen as a reference to Hezbollah’s arsenal, as well as establishing better relations with Arab countries.

Saudi Arabia once spent billions in Lebanon, deposited money in the central bank, and helped rebuild the south after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.