Salam Discusses Washington's Support for Lebanon's Reforms and IMF Negotiations with Bessent

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam discussed with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent the path of financial and banking reforms in Lebanon, negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as well as efforts to combat the cash economy and enhance transparency in the financial sector.

A statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency noted that the meeting was held at the US Treasury headquarters in Washington, attended by Finance Minister Yassin Jaber and Lebanon's Ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad.

During the meeting, Salam reviewed the progress achieved by the government in the path of financial and banking reforms, and the steps it is working to complete to address the repercussions of the financial crisis and rebuild the banking sector.

The meeting addressed the course of negotiations with the IMF and cooperation with the World Bank, where Salam requested US support for Lebanon's efforts to achieve progress in both tracks, and to secure the necessary support for the economic reform and recovery program.

The two sides also discussed the Lebanese government's efforts to combat the cash economy and limit the use of cash outside the financial system, as well as enhancing transparency, compliance, and combating money laundering and terrorist financing. According to the statement, this contributes to rebuilding confidence in the Lebanese financial sector and strengthening its integration into the international financial system.