Saudi to study resuming Lebanon imports

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is to review 'obstacles' to resuming Lebanese imports and ending a ban on its nationals visiting Lebanon, the two governments said on Tuesday as relations improve. The joint statement came a day after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on his first trip abroad since taking office in January.

'The two sides agreed to start studying the obstacles facing the resumption of exports from the Lebanese Republic to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the measures necessary to allow Saudi citizens to travel to' Lebanon, the statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency said.

The two sides agreed on the importance of 'extending the state's sovereignty over all Lebanese territory, restricting weapons possession to the Lebanese state, emphasising the national role of the Lebanese army and the importance of supporting it', the statement said. The joint statement also 'emphasised the importance of implementing the commitments made in the presidential oath'. Aoun had pledged upon taking office to usher in a new era. — AFP