President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, and his wife, Mrs. May Makhzoumi, hosted Saudi Ambassador Walid Al-Bukhari at their residence, along with Lebanon’s religious leaders: Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian; Bishop Antoine Aoukar, representing Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi; Father Ashmandrites Sarkis Ibrahim, representing Catholicos Aram I of the Armenian Orthodox Church, who was unable to attend due to travel; Vice President of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council, Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib; Sheikh Dr. Sami Abi Al-Muna, the Druze community’s spiritual leader; Sheikh Mohammad Khodr Asfour, acting head of the Islamic Alawite Council; and several other religious leaders. Also present were Mr. Marwan Al-Saleh, Head of Economic Affairs at the Saudi Embassy, a number of media representatives, and members of MP Makhzoumi’s team.

The gathering brought together representatives of all segments of Lebanese society in a spirit of unity. Those present exchanged views on the various developments in Lebanon.

Welcoming the attendees, Makhzoumi emphasized that Lebanon is a country of openness and love, calling for a return to the sound principles of peaceful coexistence. He recalled his visit to Stockholm, the Swedish capital, with a parliamentary delegation, where they met with a number of officials, noting the positive response they received. He added that he and the delegation would also visit Brussels to meet with European Union officials.

Makhzoumi explained that the purpose of these visits was to present officials with a roadmap centered on reform and the building of state institutions, while working toward an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He stressed that such an agreement is an essential prerequisite for implementing reforms and the only way to restore the international community’s confidence in Lebanon and rebuild its relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states.

For his part, Ambassador Al-Bukhari stressed the importance of electing a sovereign president capable of leading Lebanon toward recovery, free from political and financial corruption and committed to a clear recovery programme. He also called for the designation of a prime minister with the same qualifications to form an effective government capable of rebuilding state institutions and lifting the country out of its crises.

All those present agreed on the positive role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, affirming that it had never ceased to assist and support Lebanon and its people.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Makhzoumi invited the attendees to an iftar meal.