Lebanon has warmly welcomed Saudi Arabia’s historic decision to lift its nearly five-year ban on Lebanese imports, which signals a major breakthrough in bilateral relations. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan delivered Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s directive in a phone call with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Wednesday.
He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty, while expressing confidence that Lebanon would prevent its territory from being used to harm its neighbours.
President Joseph Aoun expressed deep gratitude to the Crown Prince, describing the decision as “a sincere expression of the depth of Arab brotherhood that binds the two brotherly countries.” He added that the move would make “a tangible contribution to reviving the national economy and supporting broad segments of Lebanese producers and exporters.”
Salam similarly stressed that the decision reflects deep historic ties and Saudi confidence in Lebanon, opening new opportunities for exporters and strengthening trade cooperation.
Path Toward Restored Trust
The original ban began in 2021, initially targeting agricultural products before expanding to all goods. Riyadh linked the measure to Captagon smuggling networks that had exploited Lebanon as a transit point into the Kingdom.
Consequently, the ban deepened pressure on an economy already reeling from its 2019 financial collapse, while pushing exporters away from traditional Gulf markets. Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia had reached roughly $240 million in 2020.
Moreover, several officials echoed the welcome, as Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar called it “the beginning of trust in Lebanese state institutions,” confirming that authorities have strengthened border controls and are coordinating with Riyadh on anti-smuggling efforts.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji described the resumption as a milestone for restoring confidence in Lebanon, and Transport Minister Fayez Rassamni said it consolidates Lebanon’s standing as a dependable regional trade partner. Industry Minister Joe Issa El-Khoury added that the move revives hope for a stronger, more engaged Lebanese industrial sector.
