Hariri Meets Jubeir in Davos, Says Relation with KSA 'Very Good'

Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Wednesday met with a senior Saudi official for the first time since the November resignation crisis.

A picture circulated by Lebanese TV networks shows Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir having a standing conversation with Hariri – both smiling – on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Hariri told reporters later in the day that his relation with the kingdom is “very good.”

The premier's talks with the Saudi FM follow a tense standoff between Lebanon and the kingdom over his shock resignation from Riyadh in November. Hariri's surprise announcement sent tremors through Lebanon and the region, with many suspecting the Saudis of forcing him out.

The crisis was defused when French President Emmanuel Macron invited Hariri for talks in Paris, after which the prime minister returned home to a hero's welcome.

Earlier on Wednesday, Hariri held separate talks with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

“The discussions focused on the preparations for the Rome II Conference, the Cedar Conference and the Brussels Conference. They also tackled regional developments as well as the bilateral relations,” Hariri's office said.

Earlier in the day, the premier held talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan. Talks tackled “the regional and international developments and the relations between the two countries,” according to the premier's office.

“It was an occasion to explain to His Highness the decision that was taken by the Lebanese government to dissociate Lebanon from all the problems, conflicts and wars in the region. I asserted to him that all political components have committed to this government resolution,” Hariri said after the talks.

“We are keen on having great and special relations with all Arab countries,” Hariri added, revealing that he will soon visit Jordan to coordinate on the refugee file.

Earlier, Hariri held talks with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, Swiss President Alain Berset and International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde.

Hariri's talks with Gentiloni tackled “the preparations for the Rome 2 conference to support the Lebanese Army and security forces as well as the bilateral relations between the two countries,” Hariri's office said.

The premier's discussions with the Swiss president meanwhile addressed “the latest developments in Lebanon and the region as well as the bilateral relations between the two countries.”