Saudi envoy Asiri: Sunnite sect key component of Lebanon

Saudi King Abdullah expressed on Saturday wishes that Lebanon would maintain stability and prosperity, calling on the Lebanese people to preserve their country.

Saudi envoy to Lebanon Ali Awad Asiri conveyed the message of the Saudi's King during a dinner held on Friday at his residence for current and former prime ministers.

A statement was issued by the Saudi embassy in Lebanon whereby it mentioned that the meeting "aimed to remember the efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia to solidify ties with a free and independent Lebanon.”

The statement added that the “Sunnite sect in Lebanon is a key component of the country.”

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam and former Prime Ministers Salim el-Hoss, Omar Karami and Fouad Siniora attended the dinner.

However, former Prime Ministers Rashid al-Solh and Saad Hariri did not attend the meeting for personal reasons.