BEIRUT, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon will soon invite ambassadors of accredited countries and representatives of financial institutions to a meeting in Beirut to present the newly proposed Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (LEAP), an initiative designed to mobilize international support for post-war reconstruction.
A statement released on Wednesday by Lebanese Finance Minister Yassine Jaber announced the upcoming meeting, which is expected to take place by June 10, during a working session with Jean-Christophe Carret, the World Bank country director for the Middle East Department, and an accompanying delegation.
The session focused on preparations to launch LEAP, under which the World Bank will establish a dedicated fund to attract contributions from donors and countries interested in supporting Lebanon's reconstruction.
Jaber explained that discussions covered the technical and administrative aspects of the fund, including the governance mechanisms and legal frameworks that will ensure transparency and bolster donor confidence. "These structures will provide greater clarity and safeguards, assuring contributors that funds will be allocated strictly within the designated sectors," he said.
The minister emphasized that the planned meeting in Beirut aims to give foreign envoys a clear and practical understanding of the initiative, encouraging broader engagement and funding commitments from the international community.
Expressing optimism, Jaber noted that the launch of the project has been smooth so far, especially as signs emerge that the international community is gradually restoring its confidence in Lebanon. He attributed this positive shift to recent legislative and executive actions, particularly the series of reform laws passed by the government and ratified by parliament. ■
