Zelensky, Merkel agree on financial assistance to fight against coronavirus

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone conversation with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel on Tuesday, March 31, according to the president’s press service.

The parties discussed the developments concerning the spread of coronavirus in the world, as well as practical measures taken in both countries to counter the pandemic.

They agreed to work out the possibility of establishing an information exchange related to the pandemic, in particular with regard to medical standards introduced for the treatment of the disease.

In the context of a possible increase in financial assistance to Ukraine to fight against coronavirus, Zelensky and Merkel agreed to redirect EUR 150 million under a German state loan to relevant needs.

The Federal Chancellor welcomed the recent adoption of laws on the circulation of agricultural land and the regulation of banking sector. In this context, she also noted the importance of early conclusion of negotiations with the IMF on a new cooperation program. The need for additional funding for Ukraine from the European Union and the World Bank was also discussed.

Zelensky informed Merkel about the security situation in Donbas. They also discussed the results of recent consultations within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group. In addition, the parties discussed the prospects for continuing negotiations in the Normandy format.

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