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(CNN) -
The Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization will hurt the United States, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in an interview with Time published Thursday.
"Withdrawing from WHO actually hurts the US, because being a part of WHO is not just about helping those who need support," Tedros said.
"The United States also benefits from being a member of the WHO."
Tedros told Time that when he first heard that the United States was withdrawing from the WHO, he didn't believe it.
He said he had a "very cordial" conversation with US President Donald Trump on March 23, in which there was no indication that the US was planning a withdrawal.
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"Even now, I think the US administration has no good reason to withdraw from WHO," Tedros said.
And that is my strong position.
There is no good reason.
Tedros said the consequences of the decision are not yet clear.
“I don't see membership or relationship with the United States as a financial transaction.
It is not the money that matters.
It's actually America's global leadership, ”Tedros explained.
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He noted that in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, nations are stronger together.
“One of the impacts that may be visible is, you know, global solidarity is weak.
The major world powers are not working together, ”said Tedros.
Tedros adhanom
