Lebanese Prime Minister receives new Saudi ambassador in Beirut

Saturday 20 June 2026 - 10:50

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received the newly appointed Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, Fahd al-Dossari, during an official courtesy visit at the Grand Serail in Beirut on Saturday, according to a statement from the Lebanese government.

The meeting marked the ambassador’s first formal engagement since his arrival in Beirut earlier this month. During the exchange, the Prime Minister welcomed the envoy and expressed hope for strengthened relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, describing the country as Lebanon’s “second home” in a symbolic gesture highlighting historically close ties.

Al-Dossari succeeds former ambassador Walid Boukhari, who served in Beirut from 2018 to 2026. His appointment comes at a sensitive regional moment, as diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries are gradually being reactivated after years of strain.

In parallel with the diplomatic visit, Saudi Arabia recently announced the resumption of imports from Lebanon, lifting restrictions that had been in place for several years. The decision is seen as a significant step toward improving trade flows and rebuilding economic confidence between the two countries.

The visit also coincided with renewed Lebanese exports to the Gulf, symbolized by the departure of a cargo shipment from Beirut port earlier this week, reflecting cautious but ongoing normalization efforts in regional relations.

Officials on both sides have emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation, particularly in the context of broader Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions.