Ukraine and Norway sign defense and Drone Deal agreements
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Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre arrived in Kyiv on the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day (Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre signed a declaration on strategic partnership and a defense agreement under the Drone Deal framework in Kyiv, the Norwegian government said on Aug. 23.
“We will now cooperate even more closely and over a longer-term horizon,” Støre said. “The goal is to strengthen the defense capabilities and resilience of both Ukraine and Norway.”
The strategic partnership covers three main areas: defense, energy and resilience.
“In all of these areas, Ukraine has important experience that is of great value to Norway,” Støre said. “At the same time, we can contribute expertise that Ukraine can benefit from.”
The Drone Deal gives the strategic partnership “content and substance” and will promote greater exchange of technology and experience, the Norwegian prime minister added.
“Norway is one of Ukraine’s key partners. Its contribution to our security and resilience cannot be overstated,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said after the agreements were signed.
Zelenskyy said the strategic partnership declaration was named the Elizabeth Agreement in honor of Elizabeth, the daughter of Kyivan Rus Prince Yaroslav the Wise who became queen of Norway.
Støre was among several foreign leaders who arrived in Kyiv on Aug. 23, ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day.
The visiting leaders also included Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
During events marking Ukraine’s National Flag Day in Kyiv, Støre said Norway would maintain its current level of support for Ukraine in 2027 at around $9 billion.
Ukraine and the European Union agreed on a defense-industrial Drone Deal framework on July 15 during events marking Ukrainian Statehood Day.
Ukraine had previously reached Drone Deal arrangements with Estonia, the Netherlands and Denmark in July, Lithuania in May and Latvia in June.
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