Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Monday, marking the start of his official visit to Saudi Arabia, his first trip abroad since taking office earlier this year.

The President was welcomed by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Riyadh Region, and Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Al-Bukhari.

Upon his arrival, Aoun reaffirmed the deep ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the Kingdom’s role in supporting Lebanon’s stability and institutional integrity.

“This visit is an opportunity to highlight the strong relationship between our two nations and to express Lebanon’s appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting its stability, security, and the proper functioning of its constitutional institutions,” Aoun said.

The Lebanese president is scheduled to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later in the evening, with discussions expected to set the stage for a future visit aimed at signing agreements to bolster bilateral cooperation.

“I look forward with great optimism to my talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which will pave the way for a future visit during which agreements will be signed to strengthen cooperation between our two brotherly nations,” Aoun stated.

He also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting generations of Lebanese expatriates who have contributed to the Kingdom’s economic and urban development.

“This visit is also an occasion to thank Saudi Arabia for welcoming Lebanese citizens who have settled here over the years and played a role in its growth,” he added.

In his visit, President Aoun is accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, while Lebanon’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Fouad Kabbara, joined the delegation in Riyadh.

Ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia have been strained for years. In 2016, Riyadh suspended $3 billion in military aid to the Lebanese army, citing Hezbollah's influence on Lebanese policies.

"During my visit, I will seek, if possible, to reactivate military aid," Aoun told Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat in an interview on Friday.

The president explained that he chose Saudi Arabia as his first destination due to its "historic links" with Lebanon and its role as a regional and global player.

"I hope and expect that Saudi Arabia will help us reset relations in the interest of both countries and overcome recent obstacles," he added.