Nawaf Salam: Lebanon is witnessing a long-awaited moment after the ban on its exports to the Kingdom was lifted
Resuming Lebanese exports to the Kingdom… economic support that enhances recovery and renews confidence
The inauguration of the first shipment of Lebanese exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the port of Beirut constituted an important economic milestone in the course of Saudi-Lebanese relations, and a practical embodiment of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect him – to resume Lebanese exports to the Kingdom, in a step that reflects the Kingdom’s continued support for Lebanon and its brotherly people at various economic, developmental and humanitarian levels.
The celebration of the launch of the first shipment was attended by senior Lebanese officials, led by Lebanese Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam, in a clear indication of the importance that the Lebanese government attaches to this event and the positive repercussions it has on the national economy, especially since the Saudi market is considered one of the most prominent commercial destinations for Lebanese products and the most important for exporters and producers in various sectors.
The resumption of Lebanese exports to the Kingdom is seen as a step that will support economic activity in Lebanon and enhance the opportunities for Lebanese producers to access one of the largest markets in the region, thus contributing to stimulating production, increasing trade, supporting job opportunities, and improving the performance of many export-related sectors.
This vital event also restored the atmosphere of activity and optimism to the port of Beirut after years of challenges that followed the tragic explosion that the port witnessed in 2020, as the resumption of export traffic to the Kingdom represents an important indicator of the port’s restoration of its pivotal role as Lebanon’s most important commercial artery and the gateway to its economy to global markets, as well as strengthening the confidence of regional and international partners in the work system and procedures followed in it.
Observers believe that this step also reflects the results of the efforts and reforms initiated by the Lebanese government during the past period with the aim of enhancing the efficiency of institutions, improving the economic environment, and restoring local and international confidence, paving the way for a new phase of recovery and growth.
The Kingdom’s decision to resume Lebanese exports was widely welcomed by the political, economic and business sectors in Lebanon, as it was considered a strong message of support for the Lebanese economy at a delicate stage, and an affirmation of the depth of the historical relations between the two countries and the Kingdom’s keenness to support Lebanon in facing the current economic challenges.
This development confirms the continued Saudi position in support of Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and prosperity, and also reflects confidence in the ability of the Lebanese state to take measures to protect its security and strengthen its Arab relations. At the same time, the Kingdom looks optimistically at the future of Lebanon in light of the reform approach adopted by the Lebanese President and Prime Minister, considering that continuing economic and institutional reforms will contribute to strengthening the confidence of international partners and returning Lebanon to its natural position in its Arab and international environment.
For his part, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said during the inauguration ceremony at the port of Beirut at the moment the container was launched: Lebanon is witnessing a long-awaited moment, which is the launch of the first containers heading to the port of Jeddah, after the ban on Lebanese exports to the Kingdom was lifted. He added: I think back to my time in this same place, on the twenty-fifth of last November. At that time, I said frankly that Lebanon had been used as a crossing point for exporting contraband to a number of Arab countries, and the Kingdom – unfortunately – was at the forefront of them. I also said that our ability to control our exports constitutes a prerequisite for lifting the ban, and that the installation of scanning devices means that the date for lifting the ban on Lebanese exports is near.
Salam continued: “But we were not satisfied with installing modern scanning devices in the ports of Beirut and Tripoli, to control what enters and exits Lebanon. After we had appointed a new administration for the port, who were experienced and competent, and then for customs, we worked to tighten border control procedures with Syria, and strengthened the fight against smuggling in all its forms.”
Salam reiterated his assertion, “We will never allow Lebanon from today to return to being a launching pad for any harm that befalls our Arab brothers. Rather, it will be a partner in their security, stability, and prosperity.”
Salam pointed out that before the ban, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was our largest export market ever. Today, with the launch of this container, we are returning to those markets, and I am hopeful that we will not only regain the volume of exports we were before the ban, but that we will exceed it.
He stressed that our return to the markets of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia means the return of hope to thousands of farmers in the Bekaa, the South and the North, to the factories that withstood the most difficult circumstances, and to all exporters who have waited for this day for a long time, pointing out that this decision does not only revive one sector, but rather stimulates an entire economic chain, as it contributes to creating job opportunities, and secures the flow of hard currencies.
He added: From this platform, and in the name of the Lebanese state and in my personal name, I renew all thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for his generous decision to lift the ban on exports from Lebanon. Lebanon is deeply proud of its historical relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and highly values the role its leadership has played over the decades in supporting Lebanon, its stability and its institutions.
The return of Lebanese exports to the Kingdom came after a long hiatus that lasted five years. Saudi Ambassador Fahd Al-Dosari affirmed the Kingdom’s support for Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty over its entire territory and the well-being of its people and not to use it as a platform to harm its brothers, on the occasion of the launch of the first Lebanese exports towards the port of Jeddah after the decision to lift the ban on Lebanese exports. On June 10, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed the resumption of Lebanese exports to the Kingdom in light of the positive steps taken by the Lebanese government to rebuild state institutions. The decision came at the request of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
Yesterday, the first container was launched heading to Jeddah Islamic Port, after the ban on Lebanese exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was lifted, in the presence of Salam, a number of ministers, and the new Saudi ambassador to Beirut, Fahd bin Abdul Rahman Al-Dosari.
