BD, Norway seek bilateral ties in trade
Bangladesh and Norway have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with discussions focusing on greater cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, maritime affairs, fisheries, climate change and technology transfer.
The issues were discussed when Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
Gulbrandsen congratulated Kobir on assuming office and expressed confidence that the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Norway would continue to deepen.
The two sides expressed satisfaction with the existing partnership and discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Particular emphasis was placed on renewable energy, with Kobir seeking Norway’s support in expanding and accelerating Norwegian investment in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector.
The discussions also covered the green transition, climate change, maritime affairs, fisheries, technology transfer and environmentally sound ship recycling, highlighting opportunities for deeper economic and sustainable development cooperation.
Kobir underscored the importance of increasing high-level exchanges between the two countries to give greater momentum and visibility to bilateral relations.
The Norwegian ambassador appreciated the Bangladesh government’s efforts towards democratic reforms and expressed Norway’s interest in working with Bangladesh on renewable energy initiatives.
Rohingya crisis also discussed
The two sides also discussed the Rohingya crisis.
Gulbrandsen appreciated Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts in hosting Rohingya refugees and reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to working closely with Bangladesh in multilateral forums to facilitate their safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.
Kobir also called for continued international engagement to support a sustainable solution to the crisis.
During the meeting, Kobir expressed condolences over the passing of Norway’s King Harald V and congratulated King Haakon VIII on his accession to the Norwegian throne.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Bangladesh-Norway partnership, both bilaterally and multilaterally, and to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
