During an online meeting with World Bank Managing Director of Operations Axel van Trotsenburg, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal discussed the fight against COVID-19, the procurement of vaccines, the transformation of coal regions and reforms in Ukraine, the Communications Department of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has reported.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine said that the World Bank is Ukraine's strategic and reliable partner.

"I hope for the continuation of constructive cooperation between Ukraine and the World Bank. We hope that together we will be able to work out possible mechanisms to support Ukraine in this difficult period," Shmyhal said.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine expressed gratitude to the World Bank for financing projects aimed at countering the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular regarding financing the procurement of vaccines.

Ukraine welcomes the new World Bank project – Ukraine COVID-19 Emergency Response and Vaccination Project. The total project cost is $ 90 million to respond to the threat posed by the pandemic, Shmyhal said.

The head of government said that despite the pandemic, Ukraine continues implementing reforms that shall become the basis for further economic growth.

"The government of Ukraine has approved about 100 priority investment projects for the period up to 2023 in energy, infrastructure, processing industry, tourism and sports. Our state needs long-term cooperation programs and investments," Shmyhal said.

Mr. van Trotsenburg announced the readiness of the World Bank team to provide Ukraine with advisory and financial support in the framework of priority projects for the government.