But the question being asked today is: What is the second step expected from the Kingdom, especially since there are those who believe that Riyadh may move towards expanding its economic involvement by encouraging Saudi investments to return to Lebanon, especially in sectors that have always formed a pillar of economic relations between the two countries, such as tourism, real estate, and banking. There are those who are betting on a greater Saudi role in reconstructing the affected areas and supporting development projects, based on a long history of Saudi contributions to supporting Lebanon after crises and wars.
However, a realistic reading indicates that the Kingdom will not take major steps before it is certain that Lebanon has truly entered a new phase of political and security stability, and that the Lebanese state is now able to adhere to its sovereign decision and implement the required reforms.
Riyadh, in the opinion of some knowledgeable people, does not want to repeat previous experiences during which it pumped billions of dollars into the Lebanese economy without translating into permanent stability or sustainable reforms. Therefore, it seems that the Kingdom today is adopting a “step by step” policy, that is, a gradual economic openness matched by Lebanese progress on the path of reform and the state’s restoration of its role.
Accordingly, allowing Lebanese exports to return to Saudi markets may only be the beginning of a new path, the title of which is testing intentions and building confidence. The second real step will not only be a Saudi decision, but will also depend on whether Lebanon is able to convince its Arab brothers that it has actually entered a different phase from the one that distanced it from its Arab surroundings.
Source:
Lebanon Special 24
