During the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, Lebanon’s delegation, and U.S Deputy Envoy Morgan Ortagus ,led by Finance Minister Yassine Jaber, held a series of productive meetings with IMF officials and representatives from various international financial institutions. Sources familiar with the discussions described them as constructive, largely due to the delegation’s cohesive approach, clear division of responsibilities, and unified messaging.
Reforms at the Core
The Lebanese team presented a comprehensive reform plan covering taxation, social security, economic restructuring, and monetary policy. A key concern raised by Banque du Liban (BDL) Governor was the need to safeguard the central bank’s independence and protect small depositors from future financial shocks.
Despite the positive tone, IMF officials emphasized that implementation remains the critical factor. They referenced Lebanon’s past failures due to political divisions, weak leadership, and delays in Parliament as ongoing risks to progress.
Meeting with Regional IMF Director
One of the main meetings took place with Jihad Azour, IMF Director for the Middle East and Central Asia. While maintaining neutrality on Lebanon’s internal dynamics, Azour is expected to play a guiding role in aligning IMF support with the country’s reform path.
Throughout the meetings, Lebanon’s delegation emphasized that reforms are being driven by national necessity, not merely to satisfy international expectations. Finance Minister Jaber made this message clear at a reception hosted by the Lebanese Embassy in Washington.
A Bold Vision for Lebanon’s Future
Speaking at the embassy reception, Jaber declared:
“These reforms are not about pleasing the IMF or any external party. They are a vital national need for the Lebanese people and the future of the country.”
The reception drew notable diplomatic presence, including U.S. Deputy Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus, underscoring international interest in Lebanon’s reform agenda.
Jaber affirmed the administration’s coordinated efforts under President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
“What we’re doing today is for our children to ensure they find hope and opportunities in their homeland, not reasons to leave it,” he said.
“It’s hard to believe how Lebanon, with all its talents, could spend millions for just a few hours of electricity per day. That era is over. This government is committed to a bold reform program not just reshuffling people, but redesigning how the system operates.”
This Time It’s Serious
Jaber concluded his remarks with a powerful statement of intent:
“We did not come to Washington just to seek funding. We came to restore trust — with the international community and our Arab allies. The IMF is key to this process, and this time, Lebanon is serious and moving quickly.”
Ortagus’s statments
- President Donald Trump will soon make his first visit to the middle east starting from Saudi Arabia
- The Trump administration is focused on promoting peace in the Middle East
- Ortagus expressed personal and official U.S. support for Lebanon and emphasized the value of the partnership between the two nations
- She commended President Joseph Aoun for his courage and boldness in pursuing necessary reforms to guide Lebanon toward recovery.
- The Lebanese diaspora, especially in the U.S., was praised as one of the most successful and educated communities globally
- The goal is not to return to past “glory days,” but to build a brighter and more prosperous future than Lebanon has ever experienced.
- Lebanon requires strong, courageous leaders willing to implement reforms, rebuild the economy, restore state authority, and ensure public service delivery.
- The only path ahead is through strengthening the state, advancing reforms, and fully reviving the nation.
- Lebanon stands at the threshold of a new era. With the right decisions, the U.S. will support Lebanon every step of the way—but there’s no room for repeating past mistakes.
meanwhile MP Ibrahim Kanaan discussed with Ortagus in Washington the issues of reform, support for the army, and the return of Syrian refugees
