Cardinal’s visit has done much to strengthen Saudi-Lebanese ties, says outgoing envoy

Outgoing Lebanese Ambassador Abdul Sattar Issa

RIYADH: The visit of Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai was a major step in bilateral relations, opening a cultural dialogue between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, Lebanese Ambassador Abdul Sattar Issa said here on Sunday.
Sattar, who is slated to leave the Kingdom next month on completion of his five-year tenure, was speaking to Arab News at a reception hosted by his embassy to mark Lebanon’s 74th Anniversary of Independence Day.
Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal Bin Bandar joined the ambassador in cutting a cake to mark the occasion.
The envoy said Al-Rai’s visit to the Kingdom was one of his historic achievements during his period of office in the Kingdom. “The visit has opened the doors for a cultural dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon and will pave the way for more visits between the two countries,” he said, recalling that there is also a move to set up a Center for Religious and Cultural Dialogue in Beirut.
He also recalled that the first visit by Lebanese President Michel Aoun could also be considered one of the highlights of the services rendered during his tours of duty in the Kingdom.
On Lebanese Premier Saad Al-Hariri’s current status, the envoy said Aoun has put his resignation on hold, giving him time to strike a deal and compromise with some concerned parties to continue as premier.
He also rejected a rumor spreading on social media about the establishment of a church in the Kingdom after the Cardinal's visit. He said there was no official confirmation about it and he could not say anything.
“I am leaving the Kingdom with mixed emotions,” the envoy said, indicating that he was happy to meet new people in a new station as a diplomat but sad because he would be leaving a family of friends and well-wishers who were with him in all his successful ventures.
He said there were 300,000 Lebanese deployed here in all parts of the Kingdom for employment. He said those expatriates were doing well in their respective vocations and had strengthened Saudi-Lebanese relations in the Kingdom. He also stressed that the two countries enjoyed friendly and brotherly relations because of their age-old historical ties.