U.S. Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources, Francis Fannon, met Prime Minister Saad Hariri at the Grand Serail on July 31, 2019. In the meeting, Assistant Secretary Fannon learned more about Lebanon’s plans for reforming its electricity sector and developing its energy resources and he conveyed U.S. support for Lebanon’s responsible and transparent development of its natural resources. The Assistant Secretary is conducting a three-country tour, including Lebanon, Greece, and Jordan, with the goal of advancing energy diversification for shared prosperity and security throughout the broader region.

The Assistant Secretary’s three-day visit to Lebanon includes meetings with the World Bank, relevant ministries, and energy-sector professionals. Assistant Secretary Fannon, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard, will also complete a tour of the Deir Ammar Power Station, after meeting with representatives from Primesouth. Primesouth, a U.S. company, operates the Deir Ammar plant, and provides employment for over 200 Lebanese, most of whom are engineers or highly qualified technicians.