Saudi Arabia Ends 5-Year Ban on Lebanese Imports as Beirut Moves to Curb Hezbollah
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 11
Saudi Arabia Ends 5-Year Ban on Lebanese Imports as Beirut Moves to Curb Hezbollah
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 11
Summary
Saudi Arabia said Wednesday it is ending the five-year ban on all Lebanese imports, reopening a key Gulf market for Lebanese exporters.
The kingdom said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the reversal after “positive steps” by the Lebanese state, which has recently pledged to disarm non-state groups including Hezbollah.
The ban began in 2021 after Saudi authorities said Lebanese produce was used to smuggle drugs, including more than 5 million Captagon pills hidden in pomegranates, and was later widened after a Lebanese minister criticized the Yemen war.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the move should help revive an economy already battered by financial collapse, while Beirut’s reformist government has been trying to restore Gulf trade and tourism ties.