Merkel backs WHO after Trump funding halt

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday emphasized the importance of increased global cooperation in combating the coronavirus pandemic and affirmed her support for the World Health Organization (WHO).

Merkel's statement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a halt to funding for the WHO, a move that has drawn criticism from numerous world leaders.

Speaking at a G7 virtual summit, Merkel stated that a strong and coordinated international response is essential to effectively address the global health crisis.

She also backed the European Commission's initiative for a virtual donor conference and highlighted the special responsibility of G7 nations in assisting African countries.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas described the WHO as the "backbone of the fight against the pandemic" and stated that questioning its functionality now is unproductive.

Maas indicated that the Alliance for Multilateralism, comprising 23 countries, agreed to bolster the WHO and acknowledged that potential improvements could be identified after the crisis subsides.