Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 8) — Norway says it is monitoring developments in the Korean peninsula during the Tripartite Meeting with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Philippines Tuesday.
“Norway is deeply concerned about political and military tensions in Korean peninsula. It would be of great interest if you could share your views in developments in the Korean peninsula, and possibility of coordinated efforts of the international community in response to developments,” Norwegian Foreign Affairs Secretary Tone Skogen told her counterparts in her opening remarks.
North Korea Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho previously issued a statement saying the isolationist state will be a “responsible nuclear power”, adding that the continued nuclearization will not pose a threat to other countries except the United States.
This is after the reclusive state launched two intercontinental ballistic missiles in July, one of which fell into the Sea of Japan and prompting neighboring countries to call out on North Korea’s nuclear program.
In the last day of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings, Norway also discussed the looming threat of ISIS and the maritime dispute of China and ASEAN countries over the South China Sea.
Norway is the first non-dialogue partner to send a dedicated ambassador to ASEAN.
Switzerland also held its Tripartite Meeting with Philippines and ASEAN on the same day.
