Caretaker Minister of Economy Amin Salam at a press conference, Sept. 2021. (Credit: Dalati and Nohra)
BEIRUT — Lebanon's caretaker Minister of Economy Amin Salam and the International Monetary Fund stressed the "urgent necessity for Lebanon to implement reforms," during a recent meeting, the state-run National News Agency stated on Wednesday.
While Lebanon signed an agreement with the IMF in April 2022, it has not yet met the required conditions to secure a proposed $3 billion loan.
The IMF loan could be Lebanon's way out of the ongoing economic crisis, which the World Bank ranked among the world's top three in terms of severity since the 19th century.
According to the NNA, the meeting took place between Salam, IMF executive director Mahmoud Mohieldin Mohieldin, and IMF consultants Maya Choueiri and Mira Merhi, in Washington.
Salam stressed the "need for continued international support for Lebanon in the critical period the country is going through."
"Lebanon, despite all the challenges, has proven its resilience based on the desire of its people to rise again and this constitutes a Middle Eastern model that deserves life and support," he stated.
Salam highlighted the importance of the IMF's upcoming visit to Lebanon early next week, which will likely involve discussions on the steps required before the end of 2023.