Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Beirut on Thursday, becoming the most senior official from the kingdom to visit Lebanon in 15 years. Prince Faisal's arrival comes days after he expressed optimism about the political changes in Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia's top diplomat, on his country's first high-level visit to Beirut after years of strained ties, said Thursday that he believed crisis-hit Lebanon's new leaders could spearhead long-sought reforms.

Saudi Arabia's top diplomat, on his country's first high-level visit to Beirut after years of strained ties, said Thursday that he believed crisis-hit Lebanon's new leaders could spearhead long-sought reforms.

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister visits Lebanon for the first time in 15 years, seeking reform commitments as the Gulf nation rebuilds influence while Iranian sway diminishes. The visit marks major political changes in Lebanon post-conflict and amidst financial turmoil.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan affirmed on Thursday his country’s continued support for Lebanon during his first visit to the Arab country in 15 years. Addressing a joint press conference in Beirut with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, bin Farhan expressed confidence in the new leadership's ability to initiate reforms.

Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, visited Lebanon on Thursday for the first time in a decade, marking a significant moment after years of strained relations between the two countries.

Presidents in Lebanon are brought to power by near political consensus, but more than six contenders were still in play. Debates were heated and army chief Joseph Aoun was dismissed by many politicians as constitutionally unqualified for the presidency because of his military post.

Riyadh was a major investor in Lebanon but ties between the two countries have soured for roughly the past decade over the growing influence of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Aoun’s election to the

Israel has reportedly asked the US for more time to withdraw from southern Lebanon - only days before the deadline to do so is up. Hezbollah says this is unacceptable, and support for Lebanon from major international players is on display.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud visits Lebanon on Thursday in the first trip to Beirut by Riyadh's top diplomat in 15

Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat, on his country’s first high-level visit to Beirut after years of strained ties, said on Thursday he believed crisis-hit Lebanon’s new leaders can spearhead long-sought reforms.