Saudi Ambassador in Beirut tells Al-Siyasa: We are keen to support Lebanon in restoring its sovereignty
Saudi Arabia has not missed an opportunity to reaffirm that it will not leave Lebanon and its people, underscoring its commitment to standing by them under all circumstances. This was evident in the Gulf states’ support for Lebanon’s sovereign decisions. In this context, Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Dossari, the Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, stated that his country is committed to assisting Lebanon amid the difficult circumstances it faces. Speaking to “Al-Siyasa,” he emphasized the Kingdom’s dedication to providing support to Lebanon and helping it regain its stability, while expressing its backing for the government’s steps to enable it to extend its control over its entire territory.
On the occasion of the Kingdom’s 96th National Day, Ambassador Al-Dossari reiterated his country’s support for Lebanon in restoring its sovereignty. He noted that the earlier lifting of the suspension on Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia was a result of the positive efforts by the Lebanese leadership and government.
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Ambassador Al-Dossari also highlighted that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in 2016 as a pathway for national transformation. He pointed out that the Vision entered its third phase in 2026, aimed at consolidating gains and accelerating implementation, following reforms that have contributed to improving quality of life, developing the economy, enhancing the efficiency of government institutions, and expanding investment and development opportunities. He described the Lebanese-Saudi relations as historic brotherly ties, recalling that Saudi Arabia was among the first countries to recognize Lebanon’s independence in 1943. He reviewed the mutual visits between the leaderships of the two countries, including King Abdulaziz’s reception of former Lebanese President Kamal Jumblatt in Riyadh, and King Saud’s visit to Lebanon while he was Crown Prince. He also recalled the Kingdom’s role during the Lebanese Civil War, from hosting summits and conferences to exerting political and diplomatic efforts, culminating in the 1989 Taif Agreement, which established the National Reconciliation Document. He affirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Lebanon in restoring its sovereignty over its territory and all its resources.
In response, Lebanese official, political, and party leaders highly appreciated Saudi Arabia’s positions, leadership, and continuous support for Lebanon, as well as the support of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The leaders unanimously expressed gratitude to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the other GCC countries. Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Mounzer told “Al-Siyasa” that Lebanon highly values Saudi Arabia’s constant support across various fronts, as well as the support of the GCC states, which have been and remain a strong pillar for Lebanon and its people in all circumstances. He extended thanks to Kuwait for its continuous support, stating, “We have felt this in many difficult moments, and it continues to do what it can to secure the support Lebanon needs.”
Similarly, Samy Gemayel, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Phalange Party, told “Al-Siyasa” that Lebanon highly appreciates the efforts Saudi Arabia has made to help it out of its crises, a role also played by the GCC states. This was clearly evident in the Gulf’s efforts to support the presidency and the government in their sovereign steps to free Lebanon from the dominance of Iran and its affiliated groups.
The Lebanese file was the central focus of a meeting between Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in New York, where they discussed strengthening relations between Lebanon and the Kingdom. Salam welcomed the agreement to begin activating the Saudi-Lebanese Joint Committee and thanked the Kingdom for this step, which follows the lifting of the ban on Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia, thereby opening the door to a new phase of economic and trade cooperation. The two also discussed regional developments, efforts to de-escalate tensions, and enhancing security and stability. Prime Minister Salam briefed the Saudi Foreign Minister on the progress within the trilateral framework, emphasizing the need for a clear timeline and a verification mechanism to ensure the implementation of commitments. Prince Faisal bin Farhan, in turn, commended the Salam government’s efforts to preserve the Lebanese state and its national institutions.
As Salam is expected to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington in the coming hours, the Lebanese Prime Minister affirmed that no one can speak on behalf of the Lebanese state except Lebanon itself, stating that “what is required is an agreement on a new international force under UN auspices.” He added, “We still need an international presence in the south for monitoring and reporting,” and stressed that diplomacy is the fastest and least costly option for Lebanon. He noted that Hezbollah’s weapons have failed to deter or protect for 26 years, were unable to safeguard its leadership and cadres, and led to the occupation of 70 villages. “Our goal is to confine weapons, and we will not back down from achieving it,” he said, describing the rapid confinement of weapons as “a pipe dream.” Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa emphasized that the handover of Hezbollah’s weapons opens the door to peace, warning that opportunities are being lost as long as the weapons remain in its possession. He stated, “If the weapons are dismantled and Israel withdraws, there will be no need for UNIFIL,” and revealed that the upcoming round of negotiations in Rome, scheduled for the first week of October, has been slightly postponed, noting that no definitive and committed date has been set yet, while expecting imminent changes in this file.
