BEIRUT, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Friday that the authorities will carry out a strategy to deal with economic problems in Lebanon, the presidency's website reported.
"The economic situation in Lebanon requires serious efforts but solutions have become more palpable now," he said during his meeting with Lebanese expatriates in Baabda.
Aoun emphasized the need to look positively at circumstances prevailing in Lebanon today.
"We are a secure country and we are not bankrupt," he said.
He added that tourists have also increased in Lebanon this year.
Aoun said he is aware that Lebanese expatriates are making serious efforts to survive in Arab countries in the midst of the sensitive situation prevailing in the region in addition to conflicts taking place among these countries.
"But Lebanon does not take sides in any conflict taking place among Arab countries," he said. "We are distancing ourselves from any conflict," he added.
Meanwhile, Wael Tawile, secretary-general of the expatriates' sector, said that Lebanese expatriates have faced so many challenges by living outside Lebanon in a bid to support their families and their country's economy.
"We call upon Lebanese authorities to preserve security and stability in Lebanon," he said.
He added "no matter how successful we are outside Lebanon, we need to come back to our country one day and we are ready to invest and use our skills to benefit Lebanon."
According to the Lebanese International Business Council, there are between 11 and 13 million people from Lebanon or of Lebanese descent worldwide of the Lebanese diaspora.
