Trilateral Meeting Reinforces Norway’s Role As Key ASEAN Partner

By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, Norway, and the ASEAN Secretariat convened a trilateral meeting today to strengthen cooperation on peacebuilding, climate action, and regional development, reaffirming Norway’s growing role as a key ASEAN partner.

Malaysia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Datuk Mohamad Alamin, described Norway as a meaningful partner since becoming a Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2015.

“The meeting comes at a timely juncture as we reflect on Norway’s growing contributions to ASEAN’s community-building efforts,” he said during his opening remarks at the trilateral meeting on Tuesday.

He commended Norway’s involvement in the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR), and welcomed continued collaboration in regional mediation and preventive diplomacy.

The meeting also explored shared priorities in sustainability, climate action, and environmental protection. 

The trilateral meeting was held in conjunction with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings, and was co-chaired by Mohamad and his Norwegian counterpart, Andreas Kravik. 

Malaysia acknowledged Norway’s ongoing support through initiatives such as the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project (ACCEPT) and the ASEAN-Norwegian cooperation project on marine plastic pollution (ASEANO).

Both sides had expressed interest in deepening cooperation in digital innovation, circular economy, marine biodiversity, and the green energy transition.

Mohamad stressed the importance of expanding collaboration in education, youth development, gender empowerment, and responsible business practices. 

He reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to finalising and implementing the ASEAN–Norway Practical Cooperation Areas (2026 to 2030), highlighting the need for close coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat to ensure meaningful and effective outcomes.

The trilateral meeting reflected ASEAN’s role as a trusted convener of diverse partners and its continued efforts to foster constructive, forward-looking cooperation amid global uncertainties.

The 58th AMM and related meetings, held under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, feature 24 ministerial-level meetings, including engagements with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners.

The high-level meetings, to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11, will gather about 1,500 delegates.

-- BERNAMA