Norway wants to foster cooperation with ASEAN for mutual benefit, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberge highlighted at a meeting with visiting ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh in Oslo on June 15.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was the fourth largest trade partner of Norway in 2014, underscored the Norwegian leader, saying two sides have furthered their cooperation across economics-trade, climate, energy and education.

Solberge highlighted that the ASEAN has a crucial role in managing complicated trans-boundary issues.

At the meeting, the Norwegian Prime Minister and the ASEAN Secretary General discussed measures to enhance cooperation and the important role of the ASEAN in the region and the world.

The ASEAN chief also attended a business forum held by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries on June 15.

He said ample opportunities will be broadened to Norwegian enterprises to promote their business activities in ASEAN member states, especially when the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is established at the end of this year.

With its rapid economic growth, the ASEAN market will become more stable for Norwegian enterprises and Norwegian business operation in the region will increasingly contribute to creating jobs for local residents.

During his visit to Norway from June 14-16, the ASEAN Secretary General attended a conference on ASEAN roles in foreign affairs, held discussions with the ASEAN committee in Oslo and met with Minister of Trade, Industry and Fisheries Monica Maeland and Minister of Foreign Affairs Borge Brende.-VNA