Norway allots 1 bln kroner for Ukrainian power grid reconstruction

MOSCOW. Dec 12 (Interfax) - The Norwegian government has signed an agreement with the World Bank's branch in Eastern Europe to contribute 1 billion kroner to the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF), the Ukrainian media said with the reference to the Norwegian government's press service.

"There is an urgent need to repair the power supply system and other infrastructure in Ukraine. We have signed an agreement to allocate 1 billion kroner for swift reconstruction," Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said.

It was noted that the World Bank's fund was facilitating mobilization of anti-crisis support for the Ukrainian government, alongside support for repairs of critical infrastructure and long-term reconstruction projects.

Earlier, Norway provided Ukrainian government with 300-million-knoner budget assistance via the World Bank. The funds were spent on salaries of medical personnel, teachers and public sector employees, alongside pensions and social benefits.