ASEAN-Norway: Advancing shared goals through dialogue and partnership
Vietnam is a proactive and reliable member within ASEAN, playing a central role in enhancing the group’s cohesion and external relations.
Latest
 |
| The 9th Meeting of the ASEAN–Norway Joint Sectoral Cooperation Committee held at the ASEAN Headquarters in April 2024. (Source: asean.org) |
ASEAN at a new development crossroad
ASEAN stands at a transformative juncture, poised to enter a new era of development shaped by shifting global dynamics, green and digital transitions, and a more assertive regional voice in multilateral platforms. In this context, ASEAN's ability to forge and deepen partnerships with external actors becomes more critical than ever.
 |
| Ambassador of Norway to ASEAN Kjell Tormod Pettersen. (Source: asean.org) |
Vietnam is a proactive and reliable member within ASEAN, playing a central role in enhancing the bloc’s cohesion and external relations. Since Norway became a sectoral dialogue partner to ASEAN in 2015, Viet Nam has extended strong support to our relationship both in Jakarta and in Hanoi. We have worked closely together on projects as agreed on in our agreement with ASEAN, and on bilateral programs strengthening regional cooperation, i.e. on ocean issues.
My observation is that Vietnam sees the advantage of deepening ASEAN external relations in present increasingly more complex geopolitical situation. It’s about ASEANs ability to enforce its centrality in the Indo-Pacific region and to influence the developments in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Norway’s cooperation with ASEAN is guided by a five-year agreement, to be renewed for 2026-2030, where we have identified mutually beneficial cooperation areas, and to be aligned with ASEAN Vision 2045 and its goals. I think we have to focus on projects and cooperation where Norway has high expertise, i.e. blue economy, sustainable ocean management, green shipping and renewable energy and circular economy.
A decade of dialogue and shared priorities
Norway is proud to be ASEAN’s first sectoral dialogue partner. This year marks 10th anniversary of Norway-ASEAN this sector dialogue partnership, which is a milestone for our relations. We have gradually been learning how ASEAN works and how we can shape our cooperation. I am impressed by ASEAN better understanding the added value of Norway as a minor partner with a unique competence in certain areas of international politics and trade.
 |
| Ambassador of Norway to ASEAN Kjell Tormod Pettersen meets with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. (Source: asean.org) |
In June 2025, the Secretary-General of ASEAN paid an official visit to Norway, which highlights the growing depth of the partnership and how Norway appreciates our relations with ASEAN and the countries in Southeast Asia. The ASEAN delegation first met with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and then with other high-ranking politicians and academia. The delegation ended its visit in Bergen where they were briefed about Norway’s efforts to transit to green shipping and a more circular economy.
This visit underscored shared interests in sustainable development, multilateralism, and inclusive growth, and reaffirmed Norway’s intention to enhance cooperation in strategic areas aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Looking ahead
As the global landscape grows more complex and interdependent, the partnership between Norway and ASEAN — grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and forward-looking cooperation — will become more vital.
In my view, Norway-ASEAN relationship now is in good shape and well cemented in areas of common interests, but we must be flexible and adapt to changes. We will continue to evaluate our relationship in line with ASEAN external partners’ policy. We definitely should have an ambition to do more together since our economies are complimentary and we have merging views on many global issues such as to sustain ruled-based multilateral trading system and international law.
The next decade offers us not just a continuation, but a strengthening of the partnership. Norway will continue dialogues with ASEAN and its member States including Vietnam for a greener, safer, and more inclusive future, which brings tangible benefits to our peoples and contributes to global peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
