Joseph Aoun was elected as Lebanon's president in January 2025, marking the end of a two-year presidential vacuum and signaling a shift towards improving relations with Arab nations.

Aoun chose Saudi Arabia as his first official foreign visit, recognizing its historic ties and regional significance.

Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has required its citizens to obtain government permission to travel to Lebanon due to security concerns and deteriorating diplomatic relations.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of consolidating joint Arab efforts and fully implementing the Taif Accord, which aims to end sectarian conflict in Lebanon.

Aoun and bin Salman called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Lebanese territories and underscored the national role of the Lebanese Army.

During his visit on March 2, 2025, Aoun met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the resumption of Lebanese exports and the potential for Saudi citizens to travel to Beirut.

International support for the Lebanese Armed Forces is seen as crucial for implementing UN Resolution 1701, which calls for disarming armed groups like Hezbollah.

The discussions also focused on Lebanon's economic crisis, with both leaders agreeing that reforms are essential for recovery and that Lebanon should implement international community demands.

Aoun's visit follows significant setbacks for Hezbollah during a 14-month conflict with Israel, which concluded with a US-brokered ceasefire in late November 2024.

Aoun expressed intentions to reactivate a $3 billion military aid package from Saudi Arabia, which had been halted in 2016 due to concerns over Hezbollah's influence.

Both leaders recognized that Lebanon's relationships with Arab countries are vital for its security and stability, agreeing on the necessity for economic reforms to address Lebanon's historic crisis.

Recent political shifts, including military actions against Hezbollah, may influence future relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.