[Title] Memorandum of Cooperation among the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea on Prevention, Preparedness and Response against Infectious Disease with Pandemic and High Consequence Potential of Common Concern

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan, the National Health Commission (NHC) of the People's Republic of China, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as "the Participants")

Guided by their willingness to develop fruitful cooperation among the three countries in the field of public health security related to Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPR) against Infectious disease with Pandemic and High Consequence Potential of Common Concern (hereinafter referred to as "PPR against IDPH");

Considering that Japan, the People's Republic of China, and the Republic of Korea share a strong tradition in public health research and have a long history of collaboration in the public health field;

Recognizing the importance of international cooperation to minimize damage on public health security and socio-economy caused by an outbreak of IDPH;

Considering the need to pursue PPR against IDPH among Japan, the People's Republic of China, and the Republic of Korea as well as to make common efforts to develop efficient ways towards this end;

Have reached common recognition:

1. The Participants intend to enhance and expand cooperative efforts in PPR against IDPH in line with the following general principles:

(a) all activities will be conducted on the basis of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefits;

(b) the cooperation provided for in this Memorandum of Cooperation will not affect relations currently established between institutions or individuals of Japan, the People's Republic of China, and the Republic of Korea, rather, the Participants intend to endeavor to identify new areas for joint activities and to avoid unnecessary duplication of current activities; and

(c) joint activities, where possible, are expected to be coordinated with, or be supportive of, the goals and activities of other international health bodies, including the World Health Organization and other United Nations agencies.

2. The Participants continue to provide for an expansion of cooperation across a broad range of mutual interests related to PPR against IDPH. Efforts are to be directed at developing joint activities addressing their common concerns in the areas of:

(a) Rapid information sharing on a regular basis and in the event of emerging outbreaks; (b) Surveillance, early-warning and epidemiological investigation;

(c) Infectious disease control measures;

(d) Development of vaccine, diagnostics, and therapeutics;

(e) Clinical management and antimicrobial resistance;

(f) Development of strategies to minimize outbreaks by using joint simulation and joint- exercise for Pandemic PPR;

(g) Sharing information of public health laws and regulations;

(h) Sharing information related to public risk communication;

(i) Sharing laws, regulations and guidelines on quarantine;

(j) Exchanging the list of infectious diseases subject to quarantine, as well as information on cases of such infectious diseases;

(k) Other areas of cooperation that may be jointly decided upon by the Participants.

3. The methods of cooperation provided for in this Memorandum of Cooperation include, but are not limited to:

(a) Designation of focal points for prompt communication for both on a regular basis and in the event of outbreaks;

(b) Establishment of a joint working group or program for common concerns and scientific research;

(c) Exchange of experts and officials;

(d) Sharing information and knowledge in support of activities of mutual interest;

(e) Holding high-level meetings, academic conferences/workshops and joint-exercise for Pandemic PPR.

4. The Participants also intend to encourage and facilitate the establishment of direct relationships among other appropriate institutions and individuals in the three countries. For each area of cooperation, the Participants intend to identify the appropriate entities to take the lead in overseeing the practical implementation of cooperative activities. The appropriate entities of the Participants will be responsible for coordinating communications and activities with their counterparts and will be responsible for fulfilling mutually decided responsibilities.

5. All activities conducted under this Memorandum of Cooperation are to be conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations of the respective countries and are within the availability of personnel, resources, and appropriate funds. Steps for cooperation under this Memorandum of Cooperation are to be developed through mutual consultations based on mutual priorities following the signature on this Memorandum of Cooperation.

6. Any disputes about the cooperation under this Memorandum of Cooperation will be settled amicably through consultations between the Participants.

7. The cooperation under this Memorandum of Cooperation will commence on the date of signature by the Participants and will continue for a period of five years. The Participants should review whether to renew this Memorandum of Cooperation every five years.

8. This Memorandum of Cooperation may be modified with the mutual consent of the Participants.

Signed in triplicate at Tokyo, on the 15th of December, 2024, in the English language.

FOR THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH, LABOUR AND WELFARE OF JAPAN

FOR THE NATIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

FOR THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA