RI FM in Oslo: Stronger RI – Norway Cooperation than Ever

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa has concluded his working visit in Oslo, Norway, on 19-20 April 2012. During the visit, the Minister made courtesy calls to Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and King Harald V, met with his counterparts Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Environment Minister Bard Vegar Solhjell, and attended meetings with prominent figures in Norwegian industry.

During his courtesy call to the Prime Minister, Mr. Natalegawa conveyed that the relationship of Indonesia and Norway has given multiplayer effects towards global partnership in overcoming various challenges within the 21 century. This, he added, illustrated sincere collaboration between countries in dealing with global challenges.

Mr. Stoltenberg uttered his enthusiasm towards the portrait of cooperation and partnership between the two countries, which he thought continued to grow in a positive manner.

“Indonesia is an example of emerging economies which has a high economic growth, but at the same time also has a high awareness for the environment,” he added, “this is of course could not be separated from Indonesian President’s high commitment to development models which are environmentally friendly.”

In his meeting with fellow counterpart Foreign Minister Støre, both ministers underlined RI-Norway partnership, and both countries’ commitments to overcome various global multi-dimensional challenges, within bilateral level.

Main issues within RI – Norway cooperation are human rights, democracy, environment – forestry in particular – and the promotion of moderation and tolerance.

“Human Rights Dialogue between RI and Norway has become a reference for other countries in building similar constructive dialogues and partnerships for the promotion of human rights,” explains Mr. Natalegawa.

Other than human rights, Mr. Natalegawa added that RI – Norway cooperation in REDD+ was one of his main agenda during the visit.

“Indonesia and Norway’s partnership in REDD+ is one example of real collaboration between a country with tropical rainforests and a partner country, at times when there is no significant progress on the global commitment to deal with climate change,” he added.

On the occasion, both Foreign Ministers also discussed ways to increase trade and investment as well as other bilateral issues.

Both Foreign Ministers also agreed on the establishment Indonesia-Norway Joint Commission to monitor the development of cooperation in various fields.

Aside of bilateral developments, both Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on the development of regional and global issues of the same interests.

During this working visit, Mr. Natalegawa also met with Indonesian students currently studying in Norway.

The enthusiasm of Indonesian students was obvious during the meeting, as they eagerly asked the Minister various things underlining Indonesia’s cooperation with Norway, including on the issue of environment, to Indonesia’s role in ASEAN.

The enthusiasm was warmly welcomed by Mr. Natalegawa, “I am happy, and do not expect to see as many students in Norway. I hope more Indonesians can get similar opportunities as yours.”

During the meeting, the Minister also stressed the importance of the Embassy’s function to protect every Indonesian citizen, thus advised the students to always be in contact with the Embassy and that they can consider the Embassy their home.

Oslo, 23 April 2012