Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said that the Saudi and Kuwaiti statements issued yesterday indicate that the cloud that has clouded relations with Lebanon will soon disappear.

During a government session, Mikati called on the Arab countries to stand by his country, stressing that Lebanon and the Gulf states have a common history and destiny.

The Saudi and Kuwaiti foreign ministries had welcomed Mikati's statements in which he affirmed his government's intention to take the necessary measures to enhance cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Mikati stressed the keenness to activate the historical cooperation between our Arab countries and to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Arab countries and in any Arab-Arab conflict.

On Tuesday, Riyadh and Kuwait welcomed what was included in a statement by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, issued last Monday.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it welcomed the positive (unspecified) points contained in the Lebanese Prime Minister's statement, expressing the hope that this would contribute to Lebanon's restoration of its Arab and international role and position.

In turn, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Tuesday, welcomed the contents of Mikati's statement, noting that it "looks forward to completing constructive measures in a way that contributes to more security, stability and prosperity for Lebanon and its brotherly people."

Qardahi's statements sparked a crisis between Lebanon and the Gulf states (Reuters)

stress and commitment

In his statement last Monday, Mikati confirmed his government's commitment to restore relations between Lebanon and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to normal, stressing the need to stop all political, military, security and media activities that affect the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states.

After a period of tension, a dispute erupted between Beirut and several Gulf capitals on October 29, 2021, due to statements about the Yemen war made by George Qardahi before his appointment as Minister of Information and led him to resign.

As a result, Riyadh withdrew its ambassador to Beirut and asked the ambassador of Lebanon to leave, which was later done by the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Yemen.

In January 2021, Kuwait submitted to Lebanon a Gulf initiative to restore confidence in it that includes Gulf demands from Beirut, including non-interference in Gulf and Arab affairs in general.

Gulf capitals, including Riyadh, say that Iran controls the institutions of the Lebanese state, through its ally, the Hezbollah group, which Tehran and the group deny.