Beirut: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday expressed profound gratitude for the role of a Kuwait-based fund in the reconstruction efforts of Beirut, emphasizing that such aid is crucial for advancing the national recovery process.

According to Kuwait News Agency, the Lebanese president highlighted the significant contributions of the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) during a meeting with the fund’s chief, Bader Al-Saad. President Aoun acknowledged the challenging circumstances facing Lebanon and the broader region, but he remained optimistic that international support, combined with national reforms, would facilitate Beirut’s resurgence.

Bader Al-Saad, the AFESD chief, underscored the “deep-rooted” ties between Kuwait and Beirut, stating that his visit to Lebanon aims to reinvigorate reconstruction efforts after a prolonged halt. He noted that the renewed support would primarily benefit the healthcare and education sectors, with the fund aspiring to lead development initiatives in Lebanon across various domains, including energy, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed the president’s sentiments, expressing appreciation for the Kuwaiti fund’s involvement. He highlighted AFESD as a key partner in Lebanon’s development aid, expressing hope that bilateral cooperation would continue to grow and reach greater heights.