Russia's Lavrov, WHO Europe chief discuss virus fight

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Russia’s foreign minister and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Europe director discussed the fight against COVID-19 in a meeting, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

Sergey Lavrov and Hans Kluge met on Sept. 23 to discuss Russia and the WHO’s cooperation, paying special attention to the coronavirus situation, the ministry said in a statement on its website.

“Mutual interest in developing cooperation was confirmed, and plans were considered to assist countries in the region in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and other health challenges,” the statement said.

Lavrov conveyed Russia’s support for the WHO and its Europe office, saying Moscow remains keens to develop partnerships with the WHO.

The minister also praised the WHO for its “key role” during the coronavirus pandemic and called for more joint global efforts to overcome the situation.