Norway’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the foreign affairs ministry in Dhaka on Thursday, congratulating him on assuming office and expressing confidence that the longstanding and friendly relations between the two countries would deepen further.

Kobir opened the meeting by expressing deep condolences on the passing of King Harald V and extending warm felicitations to King Haakon VIII on his accession to the Norwegian throne.

Both sides noted with satisfaction the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and Norway and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, maritime affairs, fisheries, climate change, green transition, technology transfer and environmentally sound ship recycling.

Kobir highlighted the importance of greater exchange of high-level visits to enhance the visibility and momentum of bilateral relations, and sought Norway’s support to expand and accelerate its investment in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector.

Gulbrandsen appreciated the government’s efforts towards democratic reforms and expressed Norway’s interest in working together on renewable energy initiatives.

He also appreciated Bangladesh’s generous efforts in hosting the Rohingyas and reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to working closely with Bangladesh in multilateral fora towards their safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Bangladesh-Norway partnership bilaterally and multilaterally, with the objective of enhancing cooperation across a wide range of issues of mutual interest.