The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that it is holding “intensive consultations with Lebanon’s friends to provide assistance” and is prepared to act quickly to support the crisis-hit country.

Speaking to Sky News Arabia, an IMF official stressed the urgent need for economic reforms in Lebanon, adding that “the current situation supports moving forward with them.”

The remarks come just two days after the formation of a new Lebanese government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam—the first under President Joseph Aoun. The government faces a series of formidable economic, financial, political, and security challenges as Lebanon continues to grapple with a prolonged crisis.

The IMF official projected that economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region would recover to 3.6% this year. The recovery, it said, is being driven by a rebound in oil production and a decline in regional conflicts.

The IMF further noted that economic growth in the MENA region in 2025 is expected to exceed the global average. It also revealed that it has not had any contact with Syria since 2009 but remains open to providing assistance to the country.

Meanwhile, the IMF confirmed that it is awaiting the approval of its executive board to disburse an additional $1.3 billion to Egypt under the resilience and sustainability program.