Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri made a surprise return to Lebanon Friday, after more than three years abroad due to "security concerns".

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri made a surprise return to Lebanon Friday, after more than three years abroad due to "security concerns".

The former premier went straight into a meeting with current Prime Minister Tammam Salam, his office said.

“My return comes after the Saudi grant to the Lebanese Army and to discuss ways to implement it,” Hariri told reporters, referring to the $1 billion that came under the title of 'donation' from Saudi King Abdullah to help Lebanon 'fight terrorists near the Syrian border.'

Hariri left the country in 2011 a few months after his government collapsed when Hezbollah and its allies resigned from cabinet. He has since been residing in Saudi Arabia.

Asked whether he had received assurance for his safety, Hariri said, "God protects us all."

He assured that the "grant from Saudi Arabia will help build the capacity of the Lebanese army to fight the terrorists that have spilled over into Lebanon from  Syria."

A statement from Hariri's office said the former prime minister arrived to Beirut at dawn, and upon his arrival, he visited his father's tomb.