Saudi Arabia's top diplomat, on his country's first high-level visit to Beirut after years of strained ties, said Thursday that he believed crisis-hit Lebanon's new leaders could spearhead long-sought reforms.

Saudi Arabia will continue supporting Lebanon and is optimistic about the country's future after a ceasefire brought an end to a war between Israel and the militant Iran-aligned Hezbollah group, the kingdom's foreign minister said from Beirut.

The visit marks the first time in 15 years that Riyadh's top diplomat has traveled to Lebanon. Prince Faisal, speaking to reporters after a meeting with Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun, emphasized the importance of reforms to help Lebanon overcome its crises.