Lebanese President Affirms Importance of IMF Discussions Leading to Realistic Solutions

Beirut - 18 - 9 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized on Friday the importance of ensuring that ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lead to "realistic and implementable solutions that take into account the specificities of the Lebanese situation and the current economic and financial conditions."

The Lebanese Presidency stated in a statement that this was conveyed during President Aoun's reception of an IMF delegation at the Presidential Palace, where he underscored the importance of "building on the progress achieved so far and continuing to work in a spirit of cooperation and flexibility to reach an understanding on the remaining issues."

The statement added that the delegation congratulated President Aoun on the enactment of the law reforming and reorganizing the banking sector, and briefed him on the talks he held during his mission in Beirut with relevant officials, including the path for the restructuring of the banking sector, the financial regulation bill, and the recovery of deposits.

It noted that the delegation presented its observations during the meeting on several elements it considers essential to ensure a balanced and implementable resolution of financial losses, thereby contributing to rebuilding a sound banking sector capable of restoring confidence and fulfilling its role in financing the economy.

The statement clarified that the delegation shared its preliminary observations on the draft budget for 2027 and the associated fiscal policies, "within the framework of enhancing fiscal and economic sustainability and continuing the required reforms."

The meeting also addressed, according to the statement, the economic situation in Lebanon and the needs for reconstruction, particularly in the south and affected areas.

Earlier today, the IMF delegation met with Lebanese Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri and discussed with him the negotiation process between Lebanon and the Fund.

The IMF mission concluded today, at the Lebanese Ministry of Finance, the technical and technical meetings held over the past days with the administrations of the Ministry of Finance and the ministries and agencies concerned with the electricity, public works, and social affairs sectors, as well as the Central Bank of Lebanon. (End) A.I.B. / M.K.