The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, sent congratulatory messages to the Lebanese leadership on the occasion of the anniversary of Lebanon's independence. In their messages, the Saudi leadership expressed their sincerest congratulations and best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the government and people of Lebanon, emphasizing the deep fraternal ties that bind the two countries.
Historical Background to Lebanese Independence Day:
Lebanon celebrates its Independence Day on November 22nd of each year, a day that embodies the Lebanese people's struggle for sovereignty and freedom. This date dates back to 1943, when Lebanese leaders, headed by President Bechara El Khoury and Prime Minister Riad El Solh, succeeded in ending the French Mandate imposed on the country after World War I. This day is considered a symbol of national unity and the National Pact, which laid the foundations for coexistence among the various components of Lebanese society and marked the beginning of building the modern, independent Lebanese state.
Saudi-Lebanese Relations: A History of Support and Assistance.
This congratulatory message comes within the context of the deep-rooted and historic relations that bind the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. The Kingdom has consistently stood by Lebanon through its various difficult times, playing a pivotal role in establishing its stability and preserving its sovereignty. The Taif Agreement, sponsored by the Kingdom in 1989, stands out as a major milestone in the history of these relations. Saudi diplomacy successfully brought together the Lebanese factions, ending a devastating 15-year civil war and charting a new political course for the country. Over the decades, the Kingdom has also provided substantial economic and humanitarian support to contribute to Lebanon's reconstruction and bolster its resilience.
The significance of the message amidst current challenges:
This diplomatic gesture acquires particular importance given the delicate circumstances Lebanon is experiencing, facing an unprecedented economic and financial crisis, alongside political challenges, most notably the presidential vacancy. The Saudi congratulatory message is interpreted as a reaffirmation of the Kingdom's continued support for the Lebanese people and legitimate state institutions, and an encouragement to preserve national unity and prioritize the country's best interests. It also represents an implicit call for Lebanese leaders to work together to overcome the current crises and restore Lebanon to its natural role as a beacon of stability and prosperity in the region.
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and international levels, these cables reflect the constants of Saudi foreign policy, which are based on respecting the sovereignty of states and supporting their stability. Through these messages, the Kingdom affirms its support for Lebanon as an independent Arab state, free from the politics of axes and foreign interference. This position aligns with international efforts aimed at helping Lebanon overcome its crisis and demonstrates the Kingdom as a reliable partner of the international community in working to restore stability in the Middle East region.
