The agreement is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint framework for parliamentary democracy support between the two parliaments.

“Every democracy needs a well-functioning national assembly. The purpose of this agreement is to help support the key role that the Ukrainian Parliament plays in safeguarding Ukraine’s freedom, independence and democracy,” says President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani.

­­“At the same time, the Storting wishes to learn from the Verkhovna Rada, not least about how to run a national assembly in times of crisis,” he adds.

In solidarity with Ukraine’s fight for freedom

Ukraine is in the midst of a war of aggression on its national sovereignty. Mr Gharahkhani stresses that situations like this make it even more vital that a country has a well-run democracy.

“This agreement is an expression of our strong solidarity with the Ukrainian people’s heroic fight for freedom and national sovereignty,” adds the President of the Storting.

Read the agreement (PDF)

Consultations, exchange and visits

The MoU will run from 2023 to 2027. Parliamentary study trips and dialogue on good working methods for both MPs and civil servants are likely to be key elements.

The agreement is an addition to the Government’s Nansen programme, and builds on the collaboration between the Storting and the Rada between 2015 and 2018. At this time, the Storting actively supported the Ukrainian Parliament’s ongoing reform processes.

Mr Stefanchuk is on an official visit of Norway from 16^th to 18^th May at the invitation of the President of the Storting.

Read more about the visit here: Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament to visit Norway from 16th – 18th May