Lebanon said on Monday it hoped Saudi Arabia would reconsider a ban on its produce imposed over what Riyadh called a rise in drug smuggling, and tasked its interior minister to coordinate with the kingdom to uncover the culprits and prevent a repeat.
The statement was issued after a meeting on the topic between President Michel Aoun and caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab amongst others.
They also asked Lebanon’s public prosecutor to pursue investigations on the issue and keep Saudi officials informed of results, a presidency statement said.
Blaming an increase in drug smuggling, Saudi Arabia announced the ban on Friday, a measure that will add to Lebanon’s severe economic problems. The fruit and vegetables trade is worth $24 million annually.
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