President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron.
The parties discussed the situation in both countries as regards the coronavirus pandemic. The Head of State expressed Ukraine's solidarity with France, which is now in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ukraine contributes to the fight against the pandemic. In the framework of NATO's strategic transportation program, Ukrainian cargo planes "Mriya" and "Ruslan" are involved in the delivery of humanitarian and medical aid around the world, including France," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Heads of State agreed on the need for close coordination of efforts to overcome the effects of the pandemic and restore economic activity.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Emmanuel Macron of the ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund on the beginning of a new cooperation program with Ukraine.
“The law on banks is a priority for us. I am sure that we will vote for it, because it is important for us and opens opportunities for cooperation with the IMF,” the President of Ukraine emphasized.
Emmanuel Macron praised the progress in the implementation of reforms in Ukraine and the personal role of Volodymyr Zelenskyy in this process.
The Head of State also stressed the importance of further EU macro-financial support for Ukraine and expressed hope for a swift adoption of the EU’s decision to provide Ukraine with 1.2 billion euros in macro-financial assistance to overcome the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Special attention was paid to the situation in eastern Ukraine and the state of implementation of the agreements reached during the Paris Summit in the Normandy format. The French President commended the mutual release of captives on April 16 this year, as a result of which 20 people returned to Ukraine.
The importance of continuing negotiations for peace in Donbas was noted.
The parties also noted mutual interest in restoring the dynamics of bilateral cooperation after normalization of the epidemic situation.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated the invitation to Emmanuel Macron to visit Ukraine.
“I know you wanted to visit Ukraine. I will be glad to welcome you as soon as the coronavirus pandemic is over and as soon as this visit is possible,” the President of Ukraine said.
Emmanuel Macron confirmed his intention to visit Ukraine.