Baku: Council of Ministers Secretary-General Judge Mahmoud Makkiyeh represented Lebanon at the Islamic Development Bank Group's annual meetings in Baku, where he extended his congratulations to Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser on his re-election as the bank's president.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Makkiyeh announced Lebanon's decision to defer its turn to nominate an executive director, thereby allowing Syria to take on the role during the current cycle. This move was made in the spirit of fostering cooperation among member states.

During the meetings, Makkiyeh expressed his support for the bank's new 10-year strategic framework. He emphasized the importance of mobilizing long-term concessional financing for the period from 2026 to 2030. In a bid to bolster financial resources, Makkiyeh suggested the introduction of innovative financial tools, such as development and stability sukuk, Islamic blended finance, and risk-sharing mechanisms.

In addition, he called for a special governors' meeting to be convened after hostilities in the region subside, with the aim of supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts in Middle Eastern countries that have been affected by conflict.