Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri headed to New York on a private visit on Sunday , according to a statement issued by his press office. The statement did not provide any other details

The National News Agency (NNA)quoted Prime Minister Saad Hariri as saying on Saturday night that he hoped that “this time of year will be used as an opportunity to enter a new phase of relations between the differing Lebanese parties.”

Hariri congratulated the Lebanese and Christians on Christmas day, adding that he wishes for brotherhood and national unity.

Update: NBN TV reported that Hariri’s visit to New York is aimed at meeting with Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, who is trying to recuperate from the operation he recently had at a New York hospital