Turkey does not plan to conclude an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a presidential spokesman announced today. This became clear as the country looks at funding options to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic.

On Friday, the news agency cited officials from Turkey who said the country had held talks with the United States to provide a swap line from the Federal Reserve, as well as other funding options.

“The IMF is not on our agenda. Turkey does not plan to conclude a new deal with the IMF, neither a loan nor any other agreement”, said Ibrahim Kalin, Chief Counselor to the President of the Turkish Republic.

Asked about crying out to the International Monetary Fund by President Tayyip Recep Erdogan, managing director of the institution Kristalina Georgieva said on Thursday: “In fact, we have a very constructive commitment with all members, including Turkey. We are here for all our members”.

Coronavirus deaths in Turkey have risen to more than 1,100, with confirmed cases infecting more than 50,000. Authorities have imposed a two-day blockade on most of the country, which came into effect at midnight on Friday. The measure is intended to curb the spread of Covid-19 within the country.