Al-Jumhuriya newspaper reported that the significant Saudi welcome of Prime Minister Najib Mikati's commitments to normalize relations between Lebanon and Gulf countries stole the spotlight yesterday. This indicated a noticeable return of Gulf engagement with Lebanon through Saudi channels after a long absence, aimed at accompanying the Lebanese electoral process set for mid-May, as well as the government's efforts with international financial institutions to implement a recovery plan to halt the financial, economic, and living collapse that has beset the country since late 2019.
This welcome is expected to lead to further normalization steps in Lebanese-Gulf relations generally and specifically between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, with the return of Saudi Ambassador Walid Boukhari to Beirut in the coming days. Informed sources suggested that this development could have positive repercussions on domestic conditions and on Lebanon's Arab and international relations, evidenced by Kuwait's swift welcome of Mikati's statement in the same spirit as the Saudi welcome.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed, in a statement yesterday, its support for the points raised in Mikati's announcement, hoping this would contribute to restoring Lebanon's role regionally and internationally, and highlighted the Kingdom's aspirations for security, peace, and stability in Lebanon.
This Saudi welcome followed a long phone call the day before between Mikati and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, after which Mikati released a statement outlining a series of commitments to restore and enhance relations with the Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, emphasizing his government's commitment to necessary measures to foster cooperation.
Shortly after the Saudi statement, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry expressed its welcome for Mikati's commitment to rebuilding Lebanon's relationships with the Gulf Cooperation Council states.
Concerning the return of the Saudi ambassador, sources revealed that Boukhari is expected to return to Beirut by the end of this week or before the start of Ramadan in early April, marking the first fruits of the Saudi position and the Kuwaiti initiative which has opened a gap in relations between Lebanon and the Gulf countries.
A high-ranking political source revealed that Saudi plans were deliberate and coordinated, not spontaneous, and hinted that the Saudi statement, alongside a similar statement from Kuwait, indicates a clear intention from the Gulf, led by Saudi Arabia, to resume opening up towards Lebanon.
Mikati reiterated in his announcement the Lebanese government's commitment to normalizing relations with the Gulf, amplifying the need for Lebanon to adhere to the decisions of the Arab League and international law, while stressing the necessity to cease any activities that may harm Saudi Arabia or Gulf security from Lebanon.
Government sources noted that this positive development in Lebanese-Saudi relations is a result of Mikati's accumulated efforts over the months and weeks following the onset of the crisis between Lebanon and the Gulf states, indicating that further steps would soon follow as relations gradually normalize.
Additionally, informed circles asserted that Mikati appears to have succeeded in breaking the Gulf, especially Saudi, isolation of Lebanon, as suggested by the positive Saudi response to his commitments. This opening may provide the Lebanese Prime Minister with a much-needed respite amid the crises facing his government.
Emphasizing his commitment to implement UN Resolution 1701, Mikati acknowledged the ongoing cooperation between the Lebanese army and UNIFIL in the south, and called on the UN to address daily Israeli violations.
On the financial front, banks are set to reopen today following a two-day strike protesting judicial chaos believed to disrupt Lebanon's financial situation. Notably, the black market dollar rate exceeded 24,000 LBP on Monday but fell back to between 23,600 and 23,700 LBP yesterday. Experts credited the decrease to speculation, with traders cautious about purchasing dollars in anticipation of the Central Bank's return to the market.
Rumors regarding possible actions against the Central Bank Governor, which could impact dollar supply, were dismissed as unfounded, with the bank expected to continue its usual policies in the coming period.
