Europe to contribute in Lebanon's reconstruction efforts: official

BEIRUT -- President of the European Council Charles Michel said on Saturday that the European Union (EU) will help Lebanon in the long term by reconstructing the destroyed buildings and infrastructure.

After meeting with Lebanon's President Michel Aoun at Baabda Palace, the president said that reforms must be adopted to support governance in Lebanon, including reforms in the banking sector and combating corruption through taking decisive measures.

"We know that Lebanon was facing, before this catastrophe, great challenges, especially the burdens resulting from hosting a large number of displaced Syrians," he added.

"After returning to Brussels, I will urge my colleagues in the European community to work together to stay committed to an effective partnership with Lebanon. I will also meet the director of the International Monetary Fund, who can contribute to the economic support of Lebanon," he said.

Michel's visit comes following two huge explosions that rocked Port of Beirut on Tuesday.

The Lebanese Health Ministry announced on Saturday that 158 people died and 6000 were wounded by the huge explosions that hit Beirut's port on Tuesday.

The health minister announced on Saturday that over 60 people are still missing due to the explosions and local and foreign rescue teams are searching for the missing people through the rubble.