Hariri Heads to Riyadh on First Visit since Resignation Crisis

Prime Minister Saad Hariri traveled Tuesday evening to Saudi Arabia for the first time since his November resignation in the kingdom sparked a crisis.

A statement issued by Hariri's office said Hariri left for Riyadh at an invitation from Saudi King Salman that was delivered to him Monday by Saudi royal envoy Nizar al-Aloula.

He is scheduled to meet with the monarch and his powerful son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the office added.

The November 4 resignation and Hariri's prolonged stay in Saudi Arabia stirred tensions between Riyadh and Beirut, amid suspicions he had been placed under house arrest. France eventually intervened and the premier returned to Lebanon where the resignation announcement was reversed.