President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö.
The President of the Republic of Finland thanked the Ukrainian party for the effective cooperation in ensuring the participation of Ukrainian citizens in seasonal agricultural work in Finland. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of unconditionally guaranteeing the safety of Ukrainians when going to work in Finland.
"I want to confirm that our position is based on guaranteeing the safety of Ukrainians given the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as on bringing the labor migration process out of the shadows, establishing a clear and transparent framework for legal employment of Ukrainians abroad. I really appreciate that we have agreed with Finland on legal contracts for more than three months, registration of health insurance and comfortable quarantine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President of Ukraine also noted that seasonal cooperation is becoming an important area of bilateral interaction between Ukraine and Finland. In this context, he confirmed the interest of our state in initiating a dialogue in the field of forest management.
"Ukraine has submitted to the Finnish side a draft intergovernmental agreement on employment and cooperation in the field of labor migration. I ask for your assistance in speeding up the preparation of this document for signing," the Ukrainian President said.
The parties also noted the constructive cooperation in ensuring the timely return home of citizens of both countries during the quarantine period.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the assistance provided to Ukraine in the fight against coronavirus through the Finnish Red Cross Committee.
"I wish health to you and the people of Finland, and to all who are ill - a speedy recovery," he said.
The President of Ukraine asked for the further support of our state in cooperation with international financial organizations.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine and the IMF had agreed on a new $ 5 billion stand-by program for 18 months.
"All the prerequisites for the beginning of practical work under the IMF program have been met, the fund's money is used to maintain the balance of payments and support the budget," the Ukrainian President stressed.
At the request of the President of Finland, special attention was paid to the security situation in Donbas. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Finland for its continued support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Sauli Niinistö invited the President of Ukraine to visit Finland after the end of the coronavirus pandemic.