Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Beirut on Thursday, becoming the most senior official from the kingdom to visit Lebanon in 15 years.
Prince Faisal's arrival comes days after he expressed optimism about the political changes in Lebanon. The country has elected a president enduring a power vacuum of more than two years and a prime minister-designate has been appointed to form a new government.
Prince Faisal met President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, as well Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, Lebanon's official National News Agency said.
"Despite the challenges in the region, we are looking to the future of Lebanon with optimism, because the implementation of the reforms will strengthen the trust of Lebanon's partners," Prince Faisal said after the meeting with Mr Aoun.
Saudi Arabia is seeking to re-engage with Beirut after Iran and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, Tehran's most powerful regional proxy, were weakened by Israel's war on Lebanon.
There is renewed optimism after the election of Mr Aoun and the appointment of Mr Salam to lead the next government. Both men are seen as being apart from Lebanon's entrenched ruling classes, who are accused of mismanaging the country. Neither candidate was favoured by Hezbollah, which previously dominated Lebanese politics.
Saudi Arabia was once a major financial backer of Lebanon but reduced its support as Hezbollah's influence grew.
The kingdom helped to rebuild the country after the war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006. Lebanon is once again in need of financing to recover from the latest conflict. A 60-day ceasefire to halt the fighting ends on Sunday, but it could be extended.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia regarded the election of a Lebanese president as a positive step. He expressed hope that a new government would be formed in Beirut “in the not too distant future”, referring to the consultations Mr Salam is holding with political blocs as he looks to appoint his cabinet.
“We will need to see real action, we will need to see real reform, we will need to see a commitment to a Lebanon that is looking to the future, not to the past, in order for us to raise our engagement,” Prince Faisal said.
