The Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari, confirmed that "Saudi Arabia is keen on Lebanon and its people, just as it cares for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people, who harbor love and respect for the Lebanese, with whom they share unique historical and fraternal relations." Bukhari met with the Grand Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, at the Dar Al-Fatwa. His media office noted that "the meeting emphasized the distinguished role played by the quintet committee in reaching common denominators to assist the Lebanese and find effective means and solutions to elect a president of the republic. The Lebanese are one family, Muslims and Christians, in their shared living and in maintaining and reinforcing the Taif Agreement and implementing all its provisions. The alternative is unknown, which requires more wisdom, awareness, cooperation, solidarity, and understanding of how to direct the Lebanese compass, which is awaited by brotherly and friendly countries. This is something that must be worked on as soon as possible to help Lebanon rise from its slump by electing a president, forming a government, and implementing reforms, so that stability and prosperity may return once again. These issues rest on the shoulders of Lebanese officials who must make their choices decisively and unite their ranks to get out of their current situation, enabling brothers and friends to stand with Lebanon to remain, as we know it, a free, independent Arab state." Mufti Derian expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for "its sponsorship and support for Lebanon in various fields, under the noble guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the wise Saudi government that continually works to embrace Arab and Islamic issues."