"Multilateralism and international collaboration are central to successfully fighting COVID-19 together," the FOPH was cited by the Swiss news agency Keystone-ATS.

In Ireland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Coveney became the first senior Irish official who has openly criticized the decision by Trump. He described the move as "indefensible" and "shocking."

"This is [an] indefensible decision, in [the]midst of global pandemic" when so many vulnerable people around the world rely on the WHO, Coveney tweeted.

"Deliberately undermining funding and trust now is shocking," he said, adding that "Now is a time for global leadership and unity to save lives, not division and blame!"

Also on Wednesday, Britain highlighted the important role of the WHO in spearheading the global health response.

"Our position is that the UK has no plans to stop funding the WHO, which has an important role to play in leading the global health response," a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said at a media briefing, adding that "Coronavirus is a global challenge and it's essential that countries work together to tackle this shared threat."

Across the English Channel, France regrets the U.S. decision on suspension of WHO funding.

France expects "a return to normal" so that the WHO could pursue its work, French government spokesperson Sibeth Ndiaye said at a press conference following a cabinet meeting.

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