RIYADH: Saudi Arabia called for a transparent and independent investigation into the Beirut explosion, the Kingdom’s foreign minister said on Sunday.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan told an emergency donors conference that Saudi Arabia stands with Lebanon. He described the explosion that killed more than 150 people as “horrific.”

Prince Faisal said strong state institutions that work for the interests of the Lebanese people are vital to the reform required to guarantee Lebanon’s political and economic future.

“The continued destructive hegemony of the terrorist organization Hezbollah worries us all, and we all know this organization’s history of using explosive materials and storing them among civilians in several Arab and European countries and in north and south America.”

“Lebanon is in dire need of comprehensive and urgent political and economic reform to ensure that this terrible disaster will not occur again,” he said.

#Riyadh | FM Prince @FaisalbinFarhan: As of Sunday, four planes have reached #Beirut carrying a total of 290 tons of medical equipment, food supplies, and housing materials. pic.twitter.com/wjrnPcRvjo

— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) August 9, 2020

He added that four planes carrying Saudi aid have arrived in Beirut.
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) has provided 290 tons of medical equipment, food supplies and housing materials.

The conference was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

#Riyadh | FM Prince @FaisalbinFarhan participated in the virtual International Conference on Assistance and Support to #Beirut and Lebanese People. pic.twitter.com/a3Guxb6S12

— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) August 9, 2020