Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Monday held a series of meetings at the Grand Serail, commencing with a session with the World Bank’s Middle East Regional Director, Jean-Christophe Carret.
The pair discussed the World Bank’s projects in Lebanon for the current year, particularly in the energy and water sectors. The discussion also touched on the annual report of the World Bank’s programs specific to Lebanon.
Additionally, the Prime Minister received a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) led by the Resident Representative of the UNDP in Lebanon, Mohammed Salah.
The meeting, attended by the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, Judge Mahmoud Makieh, featured presentations on the program’s activities and future projects in Lebanon, notably the establishment of a government working framework through coordination among governmental institutions to define reform policies.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) delegation, comp
rising President Kate Forbes, Lebanese Red Cross President Antoine Zoghbi, IFRC Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Hussam Al-Sharqawi, and IFRC Lebanon Country Office Director Christian Cortiçon, also met with Prime Minister Mikati, alongside advisers Ambassador Boutros Assaker and Ziad Mikati.
The meeting showcased the activities of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and the aid they provide to those in need worldwide, especially in Lebanon.
Forbes commended the Lebanese Red Cross and considered it a “model for all countries.”
Mikati also welcomed Hassan Wahbi, representing the General Administration Employees Union. Wahbi presented the union’s demands, particularly focusing on compensations for September and October of the previous year.
Mikati indicated that these demands were expected to be approved during the first session of the Council of Ministers.
The union pledged to continue their strike until their demands are met.
Additionally, Ahmad Mahmoud emphasized the need for prompt ac
tion on three pending projects related to salary increases and urged Mikati to address the issue of the General Administration’s role, emphasizing its significance in revenue management for the state treasury.
The Prime Minister also received a delegation from the Association of Banks in Lebanon, headed by Salim Sfeir. Additionally, Mikati welcomed MP Walid El-Baarini.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon