Saudi Arabia will sign over 20 cooperation agreements with Lebanon during President Joseph Aoun’s visit next month, strengthening bilateral relations. Lebanon’s government completed preparations for the agreements. Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri told Al-Sharq Business that 22 deals are ready for signing. Mitri stressed Saudi support as a key step to securing international aid. However, he noted donor nations now require reforms and transparency.
Economic Recovery and Funding Challenges
The World Bank reported that Lebanon requires $11 billion for recovery, with infrastructure needing $3-5 billion in government funds. In contrast, the housing and tourism sectors require $6-8 billion from private investors. Mitri stressed that transparency and reforms are now prerequisites for international support, stating, “We must earn the trust of Arab states and the global community”.
France plans to host a support conference for Lebanon; Mitri revealed that Paris proposed a preparatory meeting followed by the event or combining both steps. This move aims to mobilize funds and align donor strategies with Lebanon’s recovery goals, he added.
Addressing refugee returns, Mitri stated Syrian-Lebanese talks will prioritize repatriation, with most Lebanese supporting this move. “The first item in dialogue will be Syrian refugees’ return to their homeland,” he said, noting government backing for the initiative.
