Lebanon, U.S. sign $15 million agricultural agreement

Lebanon and the United States have signed an agricultural agreement under which the latter would lend Lebanon $15 million.

The agreement was signed in Beirut Tuesday by Lebanese Agriculture Minister Shawki Fakhoury and U.S. Ambassador Richard Jones.

Jones said $5 million of the total amount would be used to provide animal feed, grains as well as other agricultural products. It also includes providing cattle, seeds for plantings and holding special training programs for Lebanese farmers.

He added the agreement was part of the United States plan to offer agricultural support to Lebanon.The deal signed Tuesday raises the total amount of U.S. assistance to Lebanon to $47 million since last year.

"The importance (of the agreement) lies in establishing the first cooperation between the ministry and the American administration," Minister Fakhoury said. He added the agreement would be followed by others.