Salim Urges World Bank to Accelerate Reconstruction in War-Affected Areas

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received Dalia Khalifa, Director of the World Bank’s Middle East Department, accompanied by Enrique Blanco Armas, World Bank Resident Representative in Lebanon, in an introductory visit marking Khalifa’s assumption of her new responsibilities.

The discussion focused on aligning the World Bank’s existing and upcoming project portfolio with the Lebanese government’s priorities across multiple sectors, particularly energy, water, and social protection.

Reconstruction Priorities and Urgent Implementation

The meeting addressed the World Bank’s role in reconstructing areas damaged by war, including damage assessment, rehabilitation of infrastructure, and coordination of donor efforts. Salam emphasized the urgent need to accelerate these measures in parallel with the government’s initiatives in southern Lebanon, aiming to bolster the resilience of southern residents and facilitate their return—efforts consistent with the government’s stated priorities in that region.

Regional Integration as a Strategic Goal

The participants also examined Lebanon’s strategic objective of strengthening regional integration—specifically through trade facilitation, regional energy interconnection, and development of transport corridors and digital infrastructure. These efforts are intended to reinforce Lebanon’s position as a regional hub for communication and economic exchange. Khalifa affirmed the World Bank’s readiness to support this direction through targeted studies, investment programs, and necessary reforms.