The Middle East News Agency confirmed in a statement that "Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund and representative of the group of Arab countries, will visit the Lebanese capital Beirut next week as part of cooperation efforts between Lebanon and the IMF regarding the country’s economic recovery plan."
The visit aims to discuss the priorities of senior Lebanese officials in the social, humanitarian, economic and financial fields within the recovery plan, the statement noted.
Dr. Mohieldin is scheduled to meet with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Negotiating Committee with the International Monetary Fund Saadeh Al Shami.
During the visit, he will also meet Minister of Finance Dr. Youssef El-Khalil, Minister of Economy and Trade Amin Salam, Minister of Energy Walid Fayyad as well as Governor of the Banque du Liban Riad Salameh.
In an interview with the Middle East News Agency, Mohieldin confirmed that "The existence of a fully competent government is a prerequisite for the start of negotiations between Lebanon and the IMF."
"Reaching an agreement between Lebanon and the IMF means Lebanon will get financing from the Fund, and it will open the door for the country to obtain other financing from international bodies and institutions. This will restore confidence in the Lebanese economy and its ability to operate, and pave the way for investments, trade on a regular basis, and employment for defaulters," he added.