His strange resignation was orchestrated by Saudi authorities, officials revealed in the weeks that followed. After a few weeks — and some French intervention — Mr. Hariri eventually returned to Lebanon and reclaimed his position in the Lebanese government. This week’s visit was his first to Saudi Arabia since his strange sojourn there.

Mr. Hariri arrived on Wednesday at the invitation of the royal family and met with King Salman. The two appeared together in state media reports smiling and shaking hands at Al-Yamamah Palace.

Saudi media steered clear of mentioning the prime minister’s earlier resignation, and both sides focused on the path forward for the two nations.