Lebanon affirms its determination to normalize relations with Gulf countries

In a statement, Prime Minister Mikati affirmed that the Lebanese government will “take all necessary measures” to strengthen cooperation with Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, stressing “the need to suspend all activities political, military, security and media activities from the territory of Lebanon affecting the sovereignty and security” of the above-mentioned countries.

He also said Lebanon would tighten border controls to prevent drug trafficking to GCC member states.

Last year, relations between Lebanon and Gulf countries became strained due to drug trafficking from one country to the Gulf region, along with a number of other sensitive issues related to the coalition military campaign by the US-led coalition. Saudi Arabia leads in Yemen.

The Lebanese economy is heavily dependent on the Gulf countries, as the GCC is the main export market for goods and an important foreign investor of Lebanon. According to statistics, 30% of Lebanon’s exports are sold to the Gulf countries.