The Swiss embassy in Lebanon on Monday announced the postponement of a dinner that was supposed to bring together Lebanon’s main political parties, after unconfirmed media reports about the event stirred political controversy in the country.

“Switzerland has been actively engaged in Lebanon for many years including in conflict prevention and peace promotion. Over the last couple of months, Switzerland, in collaboration with the Swiss based organization Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, was in contact with the full spectrum of political Lebanese as well as regional and international actors to prepare for consultative discussions, not for a dialogue conference,” the embassy said in a statement.

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari held talks Monday with President Michel Aoun at the Baabda Palace.

The Presidency said the talks tackled the Lebanese-Saudi relations and means to develop them in the various fields, as well as the kingdom’s support for Lebanon, especially at the social and humanitarian levels, in addition to the general situations and latest developments.

The Lebanese pound's market value hit a record low against the dollar Monday, as the cash-strapped country plunges further into financial and political turmoil three years after its economy collapsed.

The pound sank further as the country, led by a caretaker government, heads into presidential elections next month with a divided parliament that has repeatedly failed to reach a consensus on a new leader.

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil arrived Monday in Ain el-Tineh, with a delegation from the Strong Lebanon bloc, to meet with Speaker Nabih Berri, in the presence of some of Amal's MPs.

"Electing a new president is only possible through dialogue," Bassil said after the meeting. "The dialogue does not mean we no longer have political differences," he added.

The Lebanese Forces party has said that it will not attend a dinner banquet that will be held Tuesday between Swiss Ambassador to Lebanon Marion Weichelt Krupski and representatives of the Lebanese political parties.

Al-Jadeed TV had reported that the meeting is aimed at preparing for a dialogue conference that will be held in Geneva, noting that the conference will involve several “official sessions.”

President Michel Aoun would rather focus on the upcoming presidential election, as he thinks there is no more need to form a government only days before the end of his presidential term, sources said.

A political source told al-Joumhouria newspaper, in remarks published Monday, that Aoun has shared his thoughts over the matter with French President Emmanuel Macron in their latest phone call, days ago.

A meeting will be held Tuesday between Swiss Ambassador to Lebanon Marion Weichelt Krupski and representatives of the Lebanese political parties, al-Jadeed TV reported on Sunday.

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil has hinted that he might change his mind and join the presidency race, as he lashed out at Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea without naming him.

French President Emmanuel Macron has said the "historic agreement" between Lebanon and Israel that unlocks offshore gas production was an "important step towards more peace" between the two sides.

Lebanon and Israel are expected to submit signed letters regarding their sea border agreement in the last week of October, according to the mechanism that has been agreed on, Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab has said.