Presidential meetings in Baabda... Aoun follows up on reform, administration and deposits files

President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun received Minister of State for Administrative Development Fadi Makki at Baabda Palace, where he was briefed on the ministry’s workflow and the administrative reform plan, in addition to projects related to digital transformation and the development of state institutions.

The meeting addressed progress in implementing reform initiatives, foremost among them the launch of the “Dawlati” platform, alongside the $150 million World Bank loan project aimed at supporting digital transformation, which has been referred to Parliament to complete its legislative course.

The discussion also touched on the tours conducted by Minister Makki to southern Lebanon accompanied by a number of ambassadors, as part of following up on the conditions in affected areas, highlighting their needs, and supporting recovery, reconstruction and the return of the displaced.

Administrative Development Minister Fadi Makki said after his meeting with the President of the Republic:

“I briefed President Aoun on the progress of the Ministry of Administrative Development’s work, particularly the launch of the ‘Dawlati’ platform, along with a number of reform initiatives within the State Administrations Reconstitution 2030 track. We also discussed the World Bank loan project ($150 million) to support digital transformation, which has been referred to Parliament, given its role in accelerating digital transformation, improving public services, and enhancing efficiency and transparency.

“The meeting also addressed our visits to southern Lebanon with a number of ambassadors, reaffirming the state’s presence alongside citizens, assessing their needs, and supporting recovery and reconstruction, in addition to informing the international community and public opinion of the scale of the destruction and the importance of supporting Lebanon in liberation, reconstruction, and the return of the displaced.”

In a related context, President Aoun received Banque du Liban Governor Karim Souaid, during which the monetary and financial situation was reviewed, with emphasis on the need to preserve monetary stability and strengthen coordination between the central bank and the government in a way that ensures the regular functioning of public services.

The meeting also reviewed the deposits file and mechanisms for their repayment, in addition to the course of financial and banking reforms, particularly the draft law on bank restructuring, whose discussion is expected to be completed in the relevant parliamentary committees early next week ahead of its approval in the general assembly.

The statement said:

“President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun reviewed with Banque du Liban Governor Karim Souaid the monetary and financial situation, stressing the importance of preserving monetary stability and strengthening close coordination between Banque du Liban and the government with regard to financial obligations, in a manner that ensures the proper functioning of public services.

“The discussion also addressed Banque du Liban’s continued implementation of mechanisms for repaying depositors’ funds in accordance with the applicable circulars, in line with the adopted approach of protecting depositors’ rights within the existing legal and regulatory frameworks.

“The Governor of Banque du Liban also briefed President Aoun on the progress achieved in the path of financial and banking reforms, particularly the draft law on bank restructuring, whose discussion and approval in the relevant parliamentary committees is expected to be completed early next week, ahead of its final approval by the full Parliament shortly thereafter.”