Germany follows China and also criticizes the United States' withdrawal from the WHO.
"The German government appreciates the work of the WHO, especially at times like this, and considers the US withdrawal a setback for international cooperation," said spokeswoman Martina Fietz. China had already criticized the planned US withdrawal from the institution.
Sputnik German government spokeswoman Martina Fietz said on Wednesday (8) that the US withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) is a setback for international cooperation.
"The German government appreciates the work of the WHO, especially at times like this," and considers the US withdrawal "a setback for international cooperation," Fietz told reporters.
According to the spokesperson, the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic requires stronger international cooperation and adequate financial support.
This week, Washington officially notified UN Secretary-General António Guterres of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The United States, which has been a member of the WHO since 1948, announced in April a temporary freeze on funds allocated to the organization, following a decision by President Donald Trump.
Trump had previously stated that the funding withdrawal would become permanent unless the organization committed to major changes within the next 30 days.
The President of the United States accused the WHO of colluding with China to cover up the origins and management of the coronavirus outbreak.
The WHO recalled that it declared the coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency in January, giving countries ample time to prepare. Chinese authorities, in turn, have repeatedly stated that they shared information about the epidemic in a timely manner.