RIYADH: Lebanon has prepared the final drafts of22 cooperation agreements with 蹤獲弝け, setting the stage for a high-level visit next month to strengthen economic ties.
The delegation couldbe led by President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, or both, according to Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri in an interview with Asharq.
This comes as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted President Aoun at the Royal Court in Al-Yamamah Palace on March 3 Aouns first foreign visit since taking office where they discussed Lebanons ongoing crisis and regional developments.
The agreements, covering sectors from agriculture to intellectual property, are seen as crucial to securing broader international aid for Lebanons struggling economy.
This is a legitimate approach, and we must earn the trust of Arab nations and the international community, Mitri said, emphasizing that 蹤獲弝けs support is vital for unlocking further international aid. He confirmed that the 22 agreements are fully drafted and ready for signing.
On his arrival, Aoun had expressed hope that his talks with the crown princewould pave the way for a follow-up visit to sign agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two nations.
The deals cover a wide range of sectors, including intellectual property, consumer protection, andenvironmental management, as well as agricultureand water resources, Rabih El-Amine, chairman of the Lebanese Executives Council, told Arab News earlier this month.
El-Amine also pointed to agreements involving the Ministry of Information, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, and Banque du Liban.
Mitri further revealed that Lebanon is working on an independent fund separate from government institutions handling refugee affairs in partnership with international organizations to oversee post-war reconstruction efforts. This move aims to boost credibility with donors, especially in the wake of the recent Hezbollah-Israeli conflict.
A World Bank report commissioned by the Lebanese government estimates the countryneeds roughly $11 billion for recovery and reconstruction. The report assessed damage across 10 key sectors, projecting infrastructure repairs at $3 billion to $5 billion in public sector funding, while housing, trade, industry, and tourism would require $6 billion to $8 billion in private investments.
Mitri also noted that France has expressed willingness to host a conference to support Lebanons recovery. French officials have proposed preparatory meetings or merging them into a single event, though no date has been set. Theconference would prioritize humanitarian aid and reconstruction, while a separate investment-focused event aims to attract international figures.
