Lebanon and Jordan were this week promised new loans totaling $573mn to help them cope with the cost of hosting Syrian refugees who have fled their country since the start of the civil war in 2011.

Lebanon has signed five loan agreements for $373mn with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to finance a number of projects which will support the government’s efforts in looking after some 1.5mn Syrian refugees. Additionally the World Bank has approved a $100mn loan to provide educational programs and facilities for both Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees. (CONTINUED - 352 WORDS)