Kuala lumpur: Norway is optimistic about boosting economic ties with ASEAN and Malaysia, focusing on sustainability, trade, and green growth, said Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), Kravik began by thanking Malaysia for conducting its ASEAN chairmanship with professionalism and integrity. He expressed honor in being there as a sectoral dialogue partner and noted his participation in the April meeting. Kravik emphasized Norway’s commitment to ASEAN, underscoring the presence of an ASEAN ambassador.

ASEAN stands as Norway’s fifth-largest trading bloc, and Kravik highlighted the increasing interest of Norwegian businesses in the region, particularly in addressing the climate crisis and supporting the green transition. As Deputy Foreign Minister, Kravik is actively working to strengthen ties between Norway’s business sector and ASEAN countries through bilateral partnerships and promoting broader engagement across the region.

Regarding bilateral relations with Malaysia, Kravik mentioned the long-standing economic ties, especially in sectors such as seafood and oil and gas. The recent signing of the free trade agreement (FTA) between Malaysia and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in June is expected to open new opportunities. He described the current economic framework as robust, with promising areas like carbon capture, recycling, the circular economy, and the blue economy.

Kravik also shared insights from several bilateral meetings during the AMM in Kuala Lumpur, including discussions with Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister. He noted a willingness on both sides to foster more economic activity and mentioned that Norway is working closely with Malaysian counterparts to establish frameworks beyond the newly signed FTA, aiming to create practical mechanisms for deeper economic engagement.

The 58th AMM and Related Meetings, held under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, featured 24 ministerial-level engagements, including sessions with ASEAN Dialogue and Sectoral Dialogue Partners. The high-level meetings, taking place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from July 8 to 11, drew approximately 1,500 delegates.