Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced Monday that Lebanon has launched an ambitious economic and financial recovery plan, signaling a renewed commitment to structural reform and stronger cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The announcement came during the opening of the UAE-Lebanon Government Knowledge Exchange Forum held at the Grand Serail in Beirut.
In his remarks, Salam underscored the historical and ongoing support of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, which he described as a “trusted partner” in Lebanon’s development journey since the late 1970s.
“We look forward to reactivating this historic relationship in line with our national priorities,” Salam said.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the forum, organized for the first time in Lebanon, offers a strategic opportunity for Lebanese officials to benefit from the UAE’s pioneering experience in public sector innovation, digital governance, artificial intelligence, competitiveness, and institutional reform.
Additionally, he outlined three key pillars of the government’s recovery agenda: achieving economic and financial stability, enhancing governance and institutional performance, and investing in human capital, particularly in education, healthcare, and job creation.
Acknowledging the devastating impact of recent years, including economic collapse, currency devaluation, soaring inflation, and destruction caused by conflict, Salam reiterated his government’s determination to push forward with “serious structural reforms” under the leadership of President Joseph Aoun.
He also called on Arab partners, especially the UAE, to engage in long-term strategic investments in Lebanon’s reconstruction, infrastructure, and public sector renewal, affirming Lebanon’s intent to rejoin the Arab fold with full force.
Representing the UAE government, Abdullah Lootah – Assistant Minister for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange – conveyed greetings from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
He emphasized that the Emirati delegation’s visit, made at the instruction of UAE leadership, marks the start of a “long-term cooperation” aimed at supporting Lebanon’s government modernization.
Furthermore, Lootah affirmed the UAE’s readiness to collaborate closely with Lebanon, describing his team as “an extension of the Lebanese public administration.”
He expressed confidence that the forum’s sessions would leave a lasting impact on Lebanon’s governmental efficiency and quality of public services.
The event was attended by senior Emirati officials, representatives from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and Lebanon’s key ministers and public administrators, marking a significant step toward renewed bilateral cooperation.
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