Gemayel in Saudi to Meet Number of High-Ranking Officials

The head of the Phalange Party Amin Gemayel traveled to Saudi Arabia on Saturday, in a first visit of its kind by a Lebanese official since the failure of the Saudi-Syrian initiative that was aimed at ending Lebanon’s political crisis in 2010, reported the daily An Nahar on Sunday.

Gemayel, who is accompanied by his son MP Sami Gemayel, was invited to the Kingdom by Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awadh Asiri.

They are expected to hold talks with Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, if his health permits him, revealed Phalange Party sources to the daily.

They will also hold talks with Second Deputy Premier Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz, the head of General Intelligence Prince Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz, Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, Deputy Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, and a number of other high-ranking officials.

The sources added that the Saudi leadership may be taking important measures towards the region, including Lebanon.

They noted that former Prime Minister Saad Hariri is currently residing in the kingdom.

“Gemayel enjoys good relations with the kingdom and his visit will serve to bolster these ties,” they added.

The Phalange Party leader is expected to return to Lebanon on Wednesday.