Mikati Facilitates UNDP Agreement to Boost Aid Coordination in Lebanon.

Beirut: Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lebanese government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) focusing on enhancing external aid coordination and management efficiency. The agreement was formalized during a ceremony at the Grand Serail, marking a pivotal step in Lebanon's efforts to improve crisis response and streamline its handling of foreign aid. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the MoU was signed by Cabinet Secretary-General, Judge Mahmoud Makkieh, and Dr. Abdallah Dardari, Regional Director of UNDP's Arab States Bureau. This strategic partnership aims to establish a coordination hub that will enhance Lebanon's capacity to manage foreign aid efficiently and respond to crises effectively. Prior to the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Mikati engaged in discussions with Dardari, alongside UNDP's Resident Representative in Lebanon, Celine Moyroud, and their delegation, focusing on ongoing and fu ture UNDP projects in the country. Dardari expressed the UNDP's commitment to enhancing Lebanon's aid distribution management and strengthening the capacities of national and local institutions. He highlighted that the agreement is an essential stride towards establishing a coordination center to harmonize sectoral policies such as industrial and agricultural development, particularly during challenging times. In addition to the UNDP discussions, Prime Minister Mikati held meetings with Justice Minister Henri Khoury to review general and ministerial matters. Furthermore, Mikati, along with Minister of Environment and Emergency Committee Coordinator, Nasser Yassin, convened with MPs Wael Bou Faour and Bilal Abdallah, focusing on coordinating assistance for displaced persons in the Mount Lebanon area. Prime Minister Mikati also engaged with a delegation from the 'Strong Lebanon' bloc, including MPs Nada Boustani, Nicolas Sehnaoui, and Ghassan Atallah. Following their meeting, MP Nada Boustani conveyed a mess age from the bloc leader, MP Gebran Bassil, aimed at fostering unity within the country. Additionally, Mikati welcomed Armenian Ambassador, Vahagn Atabekyan, to discuss general issues and bilateral relations between Lebanon and Armenia.