Beirut: Finance Minister, Yassine Jaber, on Tuesday met French presidential economic envoy Jacques de Lajugie and a French economic delegation to review progress on Lebanon's economic, financial and banking reforms. Discussions focused on the impact of the war on public finances, mounting reconstruction needs, and the importance of advancing reforms in coordination with the International Monetary Fund. Both sides stressed that reaching an agreement with the IMF has become increasingly urgent to restore confidence and secure international funding for recovery and reconstruction.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Lajugie welcomed progress in banking-sector reforms and reaffirmed France's commitment to supporting Lebanon and advocating for international financial assistance. Separately, Jaber met a delegation from the World Bank to discuss electricity sector reform. Talks focused on the restructuring of Electricit© du Liban, measures needed to attract private-sector investment, and steps to improve the sector's financial and operational sustainability.

Jaber reiterated the government's commitment to electricity reform as a cornerstone of Lebanon's broader economic recovery agenda, while the World Bank reaffirmed its support for efforts to improve governance, efficiency, and investment in the energy sector.