REUTERS

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Monday, September 21, held an online meeting with Director of the International Monetary Fund's European Department Alfred Kammer to discuss cooperation with the Fund, Ukraine's key lender.

Read alsoFinance minister elaborates on IMF's position on 2021 budget draftUkrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko and Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Kyrylo Shevchenko were also present during the meeting, the ministry's press service said in a statement on September 21.

"The head of government announced that a letter had been sent to Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, offering the start of the mission's work in online mode in Ukraine," the report said.

In addition, Shmyhal personally congratulated Alfred Kammer on his recent appointment and assured that further cooperation with the IMF is among the crucial priorities for both the Ukrainian president and the government.

"Ukraine highly appreciates the comprehensive support of the IMF being provided in times of trials for the entire world," the press service said.

The prime minister also invited Kammer to visit Ukraine, following the removal of restrictive measures introduced over the COVID-19 spread.

Ukraine-IMF cooperation

  • The IMF's Executive Board on June 9, 2020, approved an 18-month Stand-By Arrangement for Ukraine with funding equivalent to SDR 3.6 billion (about US$5 billion), aimed at helping Ukraine overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • On June 12, Ukraine received the first disbursement of the IMF loan worth US$2.1 billion under the new 18-month cooperation program between Ukraine and the Fund.