Preamble

The Ministry of Health and Care Services of the Kingdom of Norway and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (hereafter 'the Participants'),  condemning in the strongest possible terms Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which violates international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, being committed to common values of democracy, the rule of law, good governance, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedom, recognising the provisions of the Agreement on Security Cooperation and Long-Term Support between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Norway, valuing their existing collaboration in the field of health, recognizing the need to strengthen cooperation in the field of healthcare and public health, have reached an understanding on the following:

Part I

Purpose of the agreement

The purpose of this Health Partnership Agreement (hereafter 'Agreement'), is to supplement and implement the Agreement on Security Cooperation and Long-Term Support between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Norway in the field of healthcare, to continue and develop cooperation between the Participants, and to create a framework for collaboration and cooperation in the field of healthcare. 
The objectives of this Agreement is to promote the protection of human life and health and wellbeing. The cooperation is also aimed at overcoming the negative consequences in the field of healthcare and countering the challenges provoked by the Russian military aggression against Ukraine. 

Part II

Areas of Cooperation 


The Participants agree to develop and strengthen cooperation in the following priority areas: 

  1. Creating favourable conditions for cooperation in the field of public health, prevention, modemisation and sustainability of the respective health systems, also with a view to contribute to realising Ukraine's European integration and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
  2. Efforts to strengthen the national health system, services and institutions, promote capacity building through the professional development of medical staff and transferral of knowledge, exchange of experience and best practices, including in areas such as mental health, rehabilitation, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and pandemic preparedness and response. 
  3. Strengthening horizontal medical partnerships - horizontal cooperation between healthcare institutions to promote equal access to medical services, and development of human resources in the healthcare system.
  4. Fostering cooperation in the field of technology and digitalisation of healthcare system, management, planning and organisation of healthcare services, cooperation on cybersecurity and countering cyber threats.
  5. Fostering cooperation on health preparedness and relevant security issues, including on medical evacuation, total defence and resilience to risks related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence (CBRN defence). 
  6. Other areas of cooperation by mutual agreement in the healthcare sector.

The Participants remain open to collaborating with other partners and international organisations in their activities. 

Part III

Participation of institutions 

The Participants recognise the benefit of direct relationships between healthcare entities, healthcare providers and educational institutions, and other organisations. 

Part IV

Forms of cooperation

Cooperation under this Agreement may be carried out in the following forms, in accordance with the technical feasibility and common interests of the Participants: 

  • Exchange of relevant information and experience.
  • Exchange of experts and delegations in the areas identified by the Participants.
  • Strengthening the capacity of medical personnel.
  • Facilitating the participation of experts in conferences and events held in Norway and Ukraine.
  • Any other forms of cooperation determined by mutual agreement of the Participants. 

Part V

Settlement of differences

Any differences that may arise out of the interpretation or implementation of the provisions of this Agreement will be settled through consultations or negotiations between the Participants.

Part VI

Applicable laws

All activities envisioned by this Agreement will be implemented by the Participants in accordance with the national law in force in each country. This Agreement will not prejudice the obligations arising under the bilateral agreements concluded between the two countries. 

Part VII

Final provisions

With a view to deepening cooperation under this Agreement, regular meetings will be held between the Participants to discuss in depth the various areas of the agreement and, if necessary, to develop proposals for joint projects. Specific tasks will be developed in cooperation between the Participants.

The Participants acknowledge that cooperation is an important contribution to the development of positive relations between the Participant's States and are committed to promoting further collaboration in the abovementioned areas and discussing ways to further expand cooperation. 

This Agreement will come into effect from the date of its signature and will remain in effect until terminated or suspended by either Participant. Unless otherwise agreed by the Participants, its termination or suspension should not prejudice the completion of projects initiated under this Agreement.

This Agreement may be amended by mutual written consent of the Participants. Such amendments will come into effect on such date as will be determined by the Participants. 

Signed in _______ "_______" 2025, in duplicate in English and Ukrainian. In case of any discrepancies the English text shall prevail.

For the Ministry of Health and Care Services of the Kingdom of Norway
Jan Christian Vestre 
Minister of Health and Care Services of the Kingdom of Norway 

For the Ministry of Health of Ukraine
Viktor Liashko
Minister of Health of Ukraine