The Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari, praised Lebanon's stance on the Expo elections, which he described as a comprehensive support for the Kingdom, noting the position of "all Lebanese leaders in this regard." He specifically thanked Lebanon for granting approval in the first round despite the numerous temptations presented by competing countries, emphasizing that "Lebanon deserves all the thanks." He expressed hope that "the Lebanese pavilion will be one of the most distinguished at the expo."
Speaking before a delegation from the Lebanese-Saudi Business Council, chaired by its president, Raouf Abu Zaki, he stated, "There is a success story that will be presented at Expo 2030; it is a worthy experience that everyone should participate in. This is the first time in 180 years that Saudi Arabia won from the first round with a two-thirds majority despite all attempts to disrupt its role. Since the announcement of the Kingdom's victory, His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman has declared that the countdown has begun in the Kingdom."
He added, "If Lebanon wants to be a partner in the vision, there are prerequisites and legal agreements necessary to protect investments that must be adhered to." He noted that he received from the Director-General of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, Mohamed Abu Haidar, "the legal status of the 22 project agreements," indicating that this was "outside the framework of the Lebanese-Saudi high committee. However, the Kingdom deemed it necessary to avoid wasting time amid the stagnation, reviewing the agreements and modifying some prerequisites required to be presented in case the presidential vacancy issue is resolved."
He explained that "His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the Saudi Fund for International Financing, which includes six Arab countries: Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Sudan, and Yemen. In 2022, the budget was $27 billion, with the least fortunate country receiving between $5 to $7 billion from the fund, while Lebanon was completely absent due to its circumstances and lack of reforms." He stated that "money will come to Lebanon, as businessmen and investors are looking for high-return investment opportunities, and Lebanon possesses such opportunities, particularly in vital sectors like real estate, tourism, agriculture, and energy," pointing out that "the two main obstacles are political stability and protected financial flows."
He confirmed that "the Saudi leadership supports the economy and still does, and it wants Lebanon to be a partner in its vision." Regarding the banking and deposit crisis, he noted, "None of the Saudi businessmen have filed any international complaints against Lebanon, despite the existence of private funds held for Saudi depositors. In appreciation of Lebanon's situation, there is a decision to avoid causing harm."
For his part, Abu Zaki congratulated the Kingdom on its "victory at the Riyadh Expo 2030," winning with a large majority, securing 119 votes against South Korea's 29 and Italy's 17, considering that "the selection of the Kingdom to host this event is a testament to the progress it has made over the past ten years and a recognition of its achievements and transformations, culminating in the economic diplomacy led by the Kingdom's wise leadership."
He pointed out that "this success crowns the comprehensive progress occurring in the Kingdom in various economic and social fields, positioning it prominently in the regional and international arena." He praised the Kingdom's selection to host the 27th World Energy Conference scheduled for October 2026, which coincides with a critical phase for the global oil sector, commending the "wise and rational policy the Kingdom has adopted regarding recent developments in the region, considering the efforts exerted to rally 57 Arab and Islamic countries in support of the Palestinian cause as a diplomatically significant event."
He highlighted the continued opening of the Kingdom's markets to Lebanese businessmen and investors to contribute to various projects implemented under the Kingdom's Vision 2030, reflecting the Kingdom's ongoing support for Lebanon and contribution to strengthening its economy.
