Shmyhal takes part in virtual meeting of PMs of CEI member states

The participants of the video conference focused on the issues of fighting the pandemic, overcoming the economic consequences, coordinating efforts to open borders, and restoring the tourism industry, the Government portal reported.

Shmyhal briefed the participants of the meeting about the current epidemic situation in Ukraine and the measures taken by the Ukrainian Government to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease. Separately, he raised the issue of supporting the population and business, which suffered the most from the pandemic.

"The Government of Ukraine pays special attention to economic stability, preserving jobs and attracting investment in the country. We understand that small and medium-sized businesses, the backbone of our economy, are affected the most. The President, the Government and the Parliament of Ukraine are working in synergy to ensure the development of programs to support domestic entrepreneurs," the prime minister stressed.

Apart from that, Shmyhal thanked international partners for their financial and humanitarian assistance in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and for their help in returning home Ukrainian citizens who stayed abroad due to the outbreak of the infection and border closures.

According to him, the financial support provided by the EU will help guarantee the macroeconomic stability of Ukraine, as well as allow the state to release additional resources to protect the public and mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic. Shmyhal also noted that our country, as a responsible member of the international community, provides assistance to those in need.

Following the online meeting, the Heads of Government of the Central European Initiative adopted a joint statement recognizing the unprecedented challenge for the region of Central and South-Eastern Europe due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants of the meeting thus confirmed the importance of joining efforts and carrying out coordinated actions in the fight against the pandemic, reducing its negative socio-economic consequences in the CEI region.

ish