Paris: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that the attraction of investment to Lebanon is contingent on ensuring security and stability. Speaking from the Lebanese Embassy in Paris, Salam emphasized the importance of safety and banking reform as prerequisites for investment in Lebanon.

According to Anadolu Agency, Salam made these remarks following a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. During their discussions at the Elysee Palace, Salam briefed Macron on Lebanon’s draft financial gap law, highlighting the country’s new phase of engagement with the International Monetary Fund. The draft legislation, approved by the government last year, aims to restructure Lebanon’s debt by distributing losses among the state, central bank, commercial banks, and depositors after the 2019 financial collapse.

Salam also addressed a forthcoming donor conference in Paris aimed at supporting the Lebanese army. He noted the ongoing efforts to expand the group of contributing countries and expressed cautious optimism about the conference’s success. The meeting with Macron also covered preparations for the March 5 conference and strategies to bolster Lebanon’s army and security forces.

Both leaders acknowledged the Lebanese army’s role in asserting authority south of the Litani River and reiterated the importance of implementing the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Tel Aviv. The ceasefire, effective from November 2024, ended over a year of conflict that resulted in significant casualties. The monitoring mechanism for the ceasefire, involving military representatives from several countries and the UN, was also discussed, with Salam indicating potential expansions in civilian representation, if necessary.

Concerns remain over Israel’s partial military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement. The Israeli army maintains a presence at five border outposts, despite expectations for a full withdrawal.