Hariri Pays Tribute to Late King Abdullah, Says Successor Keen on Ties with Lebanon
Al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri has paid tribute to Saudi King Abdullah, who passed away last week, saying the monarch had been keen on preserving Lebanon's stability.
Abdullah “had made exceptional efforts over the past years to preserve the security and stability of Lebanon and stop it from sliding into the wars and storms that raged in the region and threatened to expand to our country,” Hariri told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat in remarks published on Wednesday.
The Mustaqbal leader hailed the late king's “generosity,” saying he gave Lebanon 4 billion dollars to help the Lebanese army confront the rising security challenges.
“Lebanon has not seen such initiatives by any other friendly country,” he said. “This is clear evidence on the kingdom's support for Lebanon.”
Riyadh considers Lebanon's existence a strong support for the rest of the Arab countries, Hariri told the newspaper.
“Lebanon is also always present in King Salman's heart,” Hariri said about the new Saudi monarch, who acceded to the throne of the world's leading oil exporter on Friday after his half-brother King Abdullah died aged about 90.
“All the Lebanese know that King Salman is keen on preserving the special ties that link the two countries,” said Hariri.
He described Salman as a “friend” and “brother” for the Lebanese.
“He has been said to know about Lebanon more than many Lebanese,” Hariri added.
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