Bin Farhan meets Aoun and Berri ahead of Washington talks

President Joseph Aoun met Thursday with Saudi Foreign Ministry Advisor Prince Yazid bin Farhan in Baabda.

Their discussions focused on the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to assist Lebanon in overcoming its prevailing hardships and regional challenges.

Bin Farhan had arrived earlier in Beirut and met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Teeneh.

Aoun held a call Tuesday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who praised Aoun's "bold steps" and affirmed the kingdom's willingness to support the Lebanese state in its path toward sovereignty. Aoun's advisor had reportedly visited Saudi Arabia to discuss the 10-day truce and reiterate Lebanon's commitment to Hezbollah's disarmament.

The visit comes as Lebanon and Israel are set to begin a second session of direct talks in Washington on Thursday to discuss the possibility of extending the truce and plans for future negotiations despite a long history of hostile relations.