The head of the International Monetary Fund’s mission to Lebanon, Christopher Jarvis, said that the Fund was ready to provide the necessary assistance to the Lebanese government on matters within its competence.
Jarvis, heading an IMF delegation, met on Monday with President Michel Aoun at the Baabda Palace. In remarks, during the meeting, he said: “Lebanon now is in a better position than it was a month ago, especially since the spirit of national unity was clearly manifested in the country; this thing has given an opportunity to address a lot of issues that require follow-up.”
He also congratulated Aoun on his wise management of the recent Lebanese political crisis.
Aoun, for his part noted that work was ongoing to achieve reform in public administrations and institutions, explaining to the delegation the measures approved by the state to deal with the country’s financial and economic issues, especially in the preparation of the 2018 draft budget, in addition to the economic plan and means to bolster the production sectors.
“Work remains underway to achieve reform in public administrations and institutions, and appointments are part of this process,” Aoun said.
On a separate note, Aoun on Monday received a letter from South Korean President, Moon Jae-in, conveyed to him by Korean presidential delegate, Jung Suk.
In his letter, the South Korean President stressed his country’s desire to develop bilateral relations between South Korea and Lebanon.
“Our country appreciates the wise leadership of President Aoun and his contribution to the promotion of peace and stability in the Middle East region,” the letter said, hailing as well the development that has been witnessed at the level of Lebanese-Korean relations in all fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1981.
The Korean leader also stressed his country’s commitment to contribute to peace in Lebanon and the Middle East through its participation in the missions of UNIFIL, operating in South Lebanon.
Aoun expressed his thanks and appreciation to the South Korean president, and also touched on the recent announcement by US President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, describing the decision as “a major mistake that must be rectified and renounced, especially as it contravenes all the resolutions of the UN Security Council and General Assembly.”
