Lebanese Leaders Condemn Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia, Reaffirm Solidarity and Shared Economic Interests

BEIRUT: Lebanon’s political and economic leaders have strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, expressing deep solidarity with the Kingdom following strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

President Joseph Aoun spoke by telephone with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, following a series of attacks over the past week. Aoun renewed his condemnation of the aggression, affirming Lebanon’s solidarity with the Kingdom. “The attacks constitute a threat to the Kingdom’s security and stability, as well as the security and stability of the region,” he stated.

Similarly, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the Houthi attacks, reiterating Lebanon’s full solidarity. “Lebanon stands alongside Saudi Arabia in whatever measures it deems appropriate to defend itself and protect its people, security, and sovereignty,” Salam said.

The strong ties between the two nations are underscored by the significant Lebanese expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, estimated at approximately 350,000 people. These residents play a vital role in the Kingdom’s economic and social sectors. Lebanese business leaders emphasized that any impact on their operations paled in comparison to the losses suffered by Saudi Arabia itself, with one leader stating it would be shameful to focus on local losses when compared to the Kingdom’s.

Economy and Trade Minister Amer Al-Basat told Arab News that Lebanon condemns the attacks in the strongest terms. “Saudi Arabia is a cornerstone of the regional economy and plays a central role in global energy, trade, and investment markets. Therefore, its security and stability are shared international interests,” Al-Basat said. He highlighted the deep economic ties, ranging from employment and remittances to trade and investment, noting that any threat to the Kingdom directly affects Lebanese families and the national economy.

Elie Rizk, president of the Lebanese-Gulf Economic Relations Development Authority, stated that Lebanon stands firmly with Saudi Arabia. “In the spirit of the brotherly relations linking Lebanon and the Kingdom, we stand in solidarity with Saudi Arabia as it confronts these brutal and reprehensible terrorist attacks, particularly those targeting vital facilities,” Rizk said. He warned that the economic repercussions of disruptions to energy exports and the potential delays to the Crown Prince’s Vision 2030 program would be felt across the entire Arab region.

Despite the tensions, Lebanese companies operating in Saudi Arabia continue to function normally, according to Hadi Soubra of the Federation of Lebanese-Gulf Business Councils. However, Hani Bohsali, president of Lebanon’s Food Importers Syndicate, cautioned that instability in the Kingdom inevitably impacts Lebanon. “Lebanon breathes through the Saudi lung,” Bohsali noted, emphasizing that while trade remains stable for now, the attacks target the economy and civilians.

Naim Khalil, head of Lebanon’s agricultural exporters and importers syndicate, also condemned the violence, wishing peace and stability upon the Kingdom. He confirmed that trade between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia continues as normal, following a major milestone earlier this year when Saudi Arabia reopened its markets to Lebanese products after a five-year suspension. This resumption of economic and commercial cooperation is seen as a key reflection of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty.

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