Lebanon Needs Investment, Not Humanitarian Aid, Says President Aoun

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has stressed that his country currently needs investment more than humanitarian aid to propel the recovery and rebuilding process. “Lebanon does not need aid. Lebanon needs investment. The Lebanese diaspora will contribute to the revival of their homeland,” Aoun said during a meeting with a ministerial delegation from Qatar, the United Kingdom, and France on Thursday. “And we must prepare the necessary foundations through reforms that can guarantee this revival and encourage them to return and invest in their country across various sectors,” Aoun added. Aoun stated that economic, financial, administrative, and judicial reforms are an internal necessity for Lebanon, not merely conditions set by friendly nations supporting Beirut. However, he explained that several reforms initiated after the government’s formation were forced to be postponed due to the conflict with Israel. The Lebanese President also underscored the importance of supporting the Lebanese military and security forces, as they play a role in maintaining the stability and security needed to enter the next phase of national reconstruction. According to Aoun, the current Lebanese government is continuously working to restore the international community’s trust in the country, while simultaneously restoring the Lebanese people’s trust in their government. He assessed that restoring this trust is a key factor in supporting investment and accelerating the rebuilding process of the country affected by prolonged conflict.