Salam, US Treasury Secretary discuss financial reforms, IMF talks and anti-money laundering efforts
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the US Treasury Department in Washington, in the presence of Finance Minister Yassine Jaber and Lebanon’s Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Mouawad.
Talks focused on economic and financial relations between Lebanon and the United States, with Salam outlining progress made by the government on financial and banking reforms and steps underway to address the consequences of the financial crisis and rebuild the banking sector.
The meeting also covered negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and cooperation with the World Bank. Salam requested US support for Lebanon’s efforts to advance both tracks and secure backing for its reform and economic recovery program.
Discussions further addressed government efforts to curb the cash economy, reduce transactions outside the formal financial system, strengthen transparency and compliance, and combat money laundering and terrorist financing, with the aim of rebuilding confidence in Lebanon’s financial sector and reinforcing its integration into the international financial system.
