Australia and Norway strengthening oceans cooperation

Today, I announce the launch of the first bilateral dialogue on oceans between Australia and Norway.

Both nations are committed to maintaining sustainable and thriving oceans. Our cooperation is recognised under the Antarctic Treaty and will be further enhanced by today's signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, bringing Australian and Norwegian government and business together.

The dialogue will further strengthen our collaboration in the governance of oceans through targeted initiatives to enhance collaboration on marine litter, microplastics, climate-driven changes, pollution, over-exploitation and habitat destruction.

As outlined in our Foreign Policy White Paper, as a country surrounded by three oceans, Australia has a fundamental interest in the legal regimes and norms that govern these oceans. Our maritime Exclusive Economic Zone is the world's third largest and our marine resources are vital for our economy.

The High-level Panel on Building a Sustainable Ocean Economy is an initiative by Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg. The Panel will meet for the first time in September in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.