Finance Minister Yassine Jaber and the official Lebanese delegation continued a series of intensive meetings in the US capital, Washington, on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, with discussions focusing on ways to support Lebanon financially and economically and to accompany its path of reform and recovery.
In this context, Jaber held a meeting with Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF, during which they reviewed Lebanon’s economic and financial developments and stressed the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue with the Fund, alongside discussing the priorities of the next phase and the reforms required to strengthen stability and restore confidence.
He also met with World Bank Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde, as part of following up on the outcomes of previous meetings with bank officials, during which prospects for cooperation and international support for Lebanon at the current stage were discussed.
Minister Jaber described the meeting with the World Bank as positive, noting “the World Bank’s commitment to continue supporting Lebanon during this delicate phase, not only through existing projects, but also by accompanying the priorities of the Lebanese state in the path of recovery and reconstruction.”
He stressed “the importance of prioritizing the current portfolio of World Bank-funded projects, which exceeds $1.3 billion, and working to direct it in line with emerging needs, particularly those related to rehabilitating infrastructure and basic services and strengthening social resilience,” emphasizing “the need to provide additional grant funding to support affected Lebanese communities, with special priority given to the housing sector, given the urgent need it represents in the post-war phase, in addition to its essential role in supporting social and economic stability.”
He added: “Lebanon looks forward to a renewed partnership with the World Bank, based on flexibility and rapid response, and one that takes into account the scale of the economic, humanitarian and development challenges facing the country.”
This diplomatic activity comes at the conclusion of a program of meetings held by the Lebanese delegation with international officials and friendly countries, aimed at mobilizing support and enhancing the prospects for recovery and stability in the coming phase.
