Foreign Minister Retno Prioritizes Two Priorities To Encourage Increased ASEAN-Norwegia Cooperation

Indonesia, ASEAN and Norway trilateral meetings in Jakarta. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi is pushing for increased cooperation between ASEAN and Norway, in line with the development of the last twin relationship, when holding a trilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting/Post Ministerial Conferences (AMM/PMC) in Jakarta, Friday which was attended by its Timpalan Anniken Sharning Huitfeldt.

It said the ASEAN - Norway Sectoral Dialogue, which has been going on for the past 8 years, has resulted in a number of significant cooperation in the field of human rights (HAM), energy and climate change. Trade relations between the two parties have also tripled through ASEAN - EFTA.

"We encourage strengthening economic cooperation, including through ASEAN - EFTA Joint Declaration on Cooperation," said Foreign Minister Retno in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Friday, July 14.

Foreign Minister Retno further said there were two priority issues in improving the ASEAN-Norwegia partnership. The first is related to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Related to this, Foreign Minister Retno invited Norway to support ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), amplifying the spirit of dialogue and collaboration between ASEAN to Europe and the world.

The next priority issue is the acceleration of the ASEAN energy transition. Foreign Minister Retno emphasized that the energy sector and climate change remain the main cooperation between ASEAN and Norway. Last year, both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation by disbursing funding of around 2.5 million US dollars for the next 4 years

"In the midst of the latest global challenges filled with rivalry, ASEAN requires support from all partners, including Norway to realize ASEAN's vision of Epicentrum of Growth," said Foreign Minister Retno.

During this meeting, Foreign Minister Retno also invited Norway to support the implementation of the Five Point Consensus (5PC), especially in terms of providing humanitarian assistance related to the conflict in Myanmar.

Furthermore, Foreign Minister Retno conveyed the progress of providing humanitarian assistance that had been conveyed to Myanmar through the AHA Center.

Not to forget, on this occasion Foreign Minister Retno encouraged Norway to support the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women Peace and Security.