Norway ready to support Asean in addressing Myanmar humanitarian crisis
At the Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Norway and the Asean Secretariat, he said they value Asean's member states' efforts to address the crisis.
"I would like to commend your response to the earthquake in March, in cooperation with international actors in line with humanitarian principles, as well as your efforts to engage all stakeholders.
"We appreciate your efforts regarding this situation and the priorities moving forward. As a longstanding partner for peace, democracy, and humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar, Norway stands ready to support your efforts," he said in his opening remarks.
Kravik said they are also pleased that the Asean Special Representative to Myanmar Tan Sri Othman Hashim attended the Oslo Freedom Forum.
"It was very good to have Othman in Oslo to discuss the issue of Myanmar and how we can try to help and ensure that the process moves forward.
We look forward to meeting him later today," he said.
Kravik said they greatly value the strong relationship and productive cooperation it developed with Asean over the years.
He also commended the Asean leadership for their hard work in facilitating all Asean activities, as well as strengthening the role of Asean in the current challenging geopolitical environment.
"I would also like to commend Malaysia for its effective leadership of Asean and the initiatives it has taken to enhance the relevance of Asean in the region and beyond.
"The topic or theme of inclusivity and sustainability seems appropriate in this very challenging time that we're all going through.
"To allude to your introduction to the issue of multilateralism and international law, I think we stand together, both Norway and Malaysia, and also Asean as an institution, in coalescing around these principles," he said.
He added that Asean is also a key stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific region, playing an important role in reducing tensions between the major powers.
"Norway recognises the importance of this role, and we fully support the fundamental principles of the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific in promoting an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional architecture.
I'm very interested in hearing your perspectives on the dynamics of recent developments in the region," he said.
Norway was conferred the status of Sectoral Dialogue Partner of Asean at the 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in 2015.
Long before the conferment of this formal partnership, Asean and Norway had forged a relationship through a number of cooperative activities.
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