Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Friday asserted France’s commitment to helping Lebanon preserve its stability, usher economic reforms, enhance government performance and battle corruption.

In a press conference at the Elysee Palace following a meeting between Hariri and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lebanese Prime Minister hailed the French efforts in aiding the country, expressed hope for CEDRE and that economic matters will improve.

Lebanon, one of the world’s most indebted states, is aiming to drive through long-postponed reforms to try to improve its stagnant economy and state finances, as reported by Reuters.

“We have taken all observations into consideration, especially to step up in conducting reforms,” Hariri said.

The Premier affirmed that Lebanon is committed to economic reform and to instigating investments, announcing that France has endorsed Lebanon with a €400 million loan in financial aids.

For his part, Macron attested France’s ongoing pledge to find sustainable solutions to the issue of refugees in Lebanon.

“We are committed to the security and stability of Lebanon and the implementation of CEDRE decisions, and stress the importance of achieving the desired reforms,” Macron declared.

Hariri also met with French Finance and Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire in Paris, owners of major French companies, the French ambassador to Lebanon, the French inter-ministerial delegate in charge of Mediterranean Affairs, Pierre Duquesne, and the Lebanese ambassador to France.