Norwegian Ambassador to ASEAN, Mariann Ruud Hagen, has described ASEAN as an important pillar of stability in an increasingly uncertain world marked by geopolitical tensions, conflict, and economic challenges.
In an interview with Vietnam’s World and Vietnam Report, Hagen said ASEAN has successfully transformed a region once marked by conflict into a community built on dialogue, cooperation, and economic integration. She highlighted the bloc’s role in promoting peaceful solutions, trust-building, and respect for international law.
Hagen said ASEAN-led platforms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit provide important spaces for dialogue between countries with different interests and perspectives, helping to support peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
The ambassador also pointed to growing cooperation between Norway and ASEAN in areas including green transition, renewable energy, education, human rights, climate action, and sustainable ocean management. Norway has been an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner since 2015.
Looking ahead, Hagen said Norway remains committed to strengthening cooperation with ASEAN, particularly in peacebuilding, preventive diplomacy, and sustainable development. She added that ASEAN’s values of unity, adaptability, and consensus continue to offer an important example of multilateral cooperation in an increasingly polarized world.
