Lebanese president to normalize ties with Gulf states

Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun stressed Thursday that ties with the "Gulf countries, particularly with Saudi Arabia were back to normal," adding that the misunderstanding was over now and a "new leaf of relations has been turned."

"The Lebanese will witness an increase in the influx of Gulf tourists," Aoun said after a four-day trip to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.

The president hailed the Lebanese community in the Gulf as well as their support to the "developmental renaissance in Gulf countries."

He also said that all went well in discussion with the Gulf officials on "subjects of common interest." He added that positive response and clear support are received, and agreements will be followed up in mutual visits.

The president expressed hope "that Lebanon takes quick steps forward and gradually restores its position at the Arab, regional and international levels."

During his trip, Aoun held talks with Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Doha.

The trip was assessed as promising in terms of improving Lebanese-Gulf ties mainly with Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi three-billion-dollar military aid program for the Lebanese army was halted last year over what Riyadh said was the dominance of Hezbollah movement.