Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz stressed on Monday Saudi Arabia’s keenness on Lebanon’s security and stability and the need to keep it within the Arab fold. He made his remarks during a meeting in Jeddah with Lebanese former Prime Ministers Najib Mikati, Fouad Saniora and Tammam Salam. Discussions highlighted the importance of bolstering the historic fraternal relations between Riyadh and Beirut and the Saudi and Lebanese people, said a statement released by the three former PMs. King Salman underscored the Kingdom’s “strong and firm keenness on Lebanon, its independence and sovereignty.” He also stressed the need to preserve and uphold the Taef accord that helped end Lebanon’s 1975-90 civil war. He emphasized the importance of maintaining coexistence among all Lebanese people of different sects and affiliations under the authority of the constitution, rule of law and respect of Arab and international agreements. “Saudi Arabia will not spare an effort to protect Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty and independence,” said the statement. King Salman called for restoring the authority of the Lebanese state and its control over all its territories, voicing a desire to visit Lebanon. Mikati described to Asharq Al-Awsat the meeting with King Salman as “excellent.” “King Salman’s interest in the country can only stem from sincerity and he stressed that the Kingdom addresses all Lebanese factions without discrimination,” he added, revealing that he views Lebanon as an “oasis of democracy and freedoms.” Lebanon must remain an open ground for dialogue, he stated. “We briefed King Salman on the situation in Lebanon and said that the Kingdom cannot be absent from the country given that its presence boosts stability, prosperity and Arabism,” Mikati remarked. He explained that the talks the three former premiers are holding are not aimed against anyone inside or outside Lebanon. “We are trying to protect Lebanon and its institutions,” he stated. In a telephone call to Asharq Al-Awsat, Saniora echoed Mikati’s comments, saying King Salman is committed to Lebanon’s stability. For his part, Salam revealed that the former premiers will soon embark on a tour of Arab countries that will take them to Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. They are keen on urging the need to “activate joint Arab work and supporting Lebanon,” given the tensions in the region, he told Asharq Al-Awsat, saying Prime Minister Saad Hariri is involved in following up on the discussions. Salam also highlighted the recent positive engagement by Saudi Arabia towards Lebanon, citing its lifting of a travel advisory against the country. This was followed by a Shura Council delegation visit to Beirut and the Lebanese army commander’s visit to the Kingdom. These developments helped pave the way for the renewed Saudi presence in Lebanon, he noted.