1 Feb 2023 13:32

Russian health minister says necessary to communicate with WHO

MOSCOW. Feb 1 (Interfax) - Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko believes it is necessary to communicate with the World Health Organization (WHO).

"It is necessary to maintain communication within the WHO framework because this means, in particular, an exchange of information, strains, and some other issues related to regulatory practices and so on," Murashko said during Government Hour at the Federation Council on Wednesday.

Russia "should form a circle of its supporters, as the world must not be unipolar," he said.

There are many supporters of Russia in WHO, Murashko said.

Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko backed the minister.

"Colleagues, we should not give reasons for Russia's self-isolation. There are absolutely no grounds for that," she said.

Russia can defend its position and influence the decision-making process in organizations, which serve as dialogue platforms, Matviyenko said. "We should absolutely not slide into isolation," she said.