Saudi Arabia lifts 5-year ban on Lebanese imports to rebuild Gulf-Lebanon ties

Exam-focused facts from the 12 June 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

Saudi Arabia has ended a five-year ban on imports from Lebanon to rebuild relations between Lebanon and Gulf countries.
The ban was initially imposed in 2021 on Lebanese fruits and vegetables due to the smuggling of the amphetamine drug Captagon.
The restriction was later extended to all Lebanese products after former Information Minister George Kordahi criticised Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen.
The decision to reverse the ban was ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following positive steps taken by the Lebanese state.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the decision would contribute to reviving the national economy and supporting Lebanese producers and exporters.