Strengthening Health Cooperation: Jan Christian Vestre's First Official Visit to Berlin
Focus on Digitalization and Crisis Preparedness in Health Sector Collaboration
June 30th, 2024
On June 27, Jan Christian Vestre made his first visit to Berlin as Norway's Minister of Health and Care Services. During his visit, Vestre had a productive meeting with his German counterpart, Karl Lauterbach. They agreed to strengthen and specify health cooperation between Germany and Norway, with an increased focus on digitalization in the healthcare sector.
Germany's role as a strong and important supporter of Norway in European health preparedness cooperation, led by the EU, was underscored—particularly in securing stable access to essential medicines during crises. Together, both countries aim to be better equipped to handle future health challenges.
Vestre also met with his former colleague from his time as Minister of Trade and Industry, Vice-Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck, to thank him for the excellent and close cooperation they had in the energy and business sectors.
The day in Berlin concluded with a visit to the World Health Organization's Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness, where the Minister of Health and Care Services gained insight into how global surveillance of potential infectious disease outbreaks is coordinated and how national authorities can be better prepared to respond quickly to such outbreaks. The Norwegian Ambassador to Germany, Laila Stenseng, was also present at these events, highlighting the importance of bilateral relations.
