Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri said on Thursday that Arab countries share the same challenges of boosting growth, intensifing economic diversification and offering job opportunities for young people.

“This cannot be achieved without implementing reforms to our economies,” the Lebanese prime minister told the 27th Arab Economic Forum (AEF), which is held in Beirut.

Al-Hariri praised Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and the Egyptian government’s reform program, saying his country should follow Egypt's steps to achieve economic development.

Since President El-Sisi came to office, Al-Hariri said, he has “changed Egypt’s direction” and pushed his country forward after a period of stagnation.

The Arab Economic Forum this year is attended by the Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboulgheit, Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, with Egypt designated this year's guest of honour, regional and international officials, and business and development leaders.

Lebanon needs to “look to a country like Egypt and a president like Abdel Fattah El-Sisi… this is the model we need to follow and this is the change we need to make.”

“Our ambitions in Lebanon are those of Egypt and I hope the infection spreads across the Arab world.”