Paris: In his address at the 2026 Arab-European Banking and Economic Summit, held under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, Lebanon's Finance Minister Yassine Jaber emphasized Lebanon's commitment to reform and recovery, despite facing significant challenges.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Jaber highlighted the current global economic transformations marked by geopolitical and financial changes. He noted that these developments pose both risks and opportunities for nations like Lebanon, which is strategically positioned between Europe and the Arab world. He stressed the importance of energy security, linking it to economic and financial stability, and underscored the necessity of investing in energy diversification, regional interconnections, and resilient infrastructure.

Jaber pointed out the shifts in the international monetary and financial landscape, which reflect broader concerns about geopolitical risk and financial fragmentation. He called for emerging economies to enhance macroeconomic management, adopt credible fiscal policies, and deepen regional cooperation to withstand external shocks.

He advocated for stronger Euro-Mediterranean and Euro-Arab cooperation as a framework for economic integration and regional stability. He envisioned the Mediterranean as a bridge for connectivity and cooperation in trade, investment, and energy between Europe and the Arab world.

When addressing Lebanon's current situation, Jaber candidly acknowledged the country's struggles, highlighting the devastating impact of ongoing conflict on human lives, the economy, and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, he affirmed the resilience of the Lebanese people and their unwavering commitment to reform and recovery. He emphasized the importance of an IMF-supported program as part of Lebanon's recovery strategy and reiterated Lebanon's aspiration to serve as a regional center for finance and innovation.

Jaber concluded by stressing that Euro-Arab cooperation should not be confined to crisis management. Instead, it should be guided by a shared vision for economic resilience, regional integration, and sustainable growth. He emphasized that in a fragmented world, cooperation between Europe and the Arab world is a strategic asset that can foster resilient economies and create opportunities for future generations.