Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received, this afternoon at the Government Palace, the Regional Director of the Middle East Department at the World Bank, Jean-Christophe Carré, accompanied by the Director of the World Bank Office in Lebanon, Enrique Blanco Armas, where they discussed projects financed by World Bank loans in Lebanon, in addition to the file of support for the National Council for Scientific Research within the process of assessing war damages for the year 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Lebanon and the World Bank, especially with regard to development projects and programs related to economic re-evaluation and the damages resulting from the recent war.
The research also touched on the role of the World Bank in supporting Lebanese research and scientific institutions, as part of the efforts aimed at preparing a comprehensive assessment of losses and damages, which constitutes a basic basis for any reconstruction plans or possible international support in the next stage.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Salam wished Carré success in his new duties, which he will assume as of July 1, 2026, as Regional Director of the Türkiye Department at the World Bank.
The meeting comes at a time when Lebanon is facing worsening economic and financial challenges, amid continuing pressures related to the war and the damage that has affected several vital sectors, which increases the importance of cooperation with international institutions to secure financing and technical support for recovery and reconstruction programs.
