LOC01:22
22:22 GMT
KUWAIT, Aug 9 (KUNA) -- US President Donald Trump participated Sunday in a virtual conference on Lebanon with international leaders in the wake of the port explosion in Beirut.
Trump reaffirmed that the US "stands ready and willing to continue providing aid to help the people of Lebanon in their recovery,"
White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere said in a statement.
The statement added that Trump "urged the Government of Lebanon to conduct a full and transparent investigation, in which the United States stands ready to assist."
Trump also called for "calm in Lebanon and acknowledged the legitimate calls of peaceful protestors for transparency, reform and accountability."
"The President agreed with the other leaders to work closely together in international response efforts," the statement noted.
Trump expressed his "deepest condolences" for those killed and injured in the explosion.
Meanwhile, Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said in a statement at the end of the conference that "this is the moment for Lebanese policymakers to unite and address the severe economic and social crisis."
"It is also a moment for the international community to stand by the country and its people, with urgent humanitarian assistance, and support for reforms to pull Lebanon from the brink of economic collapse," she added.
She affirmed that the IMF is ready to "redouble" its efforts "but we need unity of purpose in Lebanon, we need all institutions to come together determined to carry out much needed reforms."
"Commitment to these reforms will unlock billions of dollars for the benefit of the Lebanese people. This is the moment for the country's policymakers to act decisively. We stand ready to help," she concluded. (end)
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