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.

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.

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.