Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir today called for increased support from Norway to bolster Bangladesh's renewable energy sector, as the nation continues its march towards a green transition. He extended this invitation during a courtesy meeting with Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen, at the foreign ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was marked by discussions aimed at fortifying bilateral cooperation, with a focus on trade and investment, renewable energy, maritime affairs, fisheries, climate change, green transition, technology transfer, and environmentally sound ship recycling. Kobir emphasized the potential for greater Norwegian investment in Bangladesh's renewable energy initiatives and sought Oslo's assistance in accelerating this investment.
Ambassador Gulbrandsen expressed Norway's interest in collaborating with Bangladesh on renewable energy projects. Both parties acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and Norway and expressed their commitment to broadening cooperation across various areas of mutual interest.
Additionally, Kobir stressed the importance of high-level exchanges to enhance bilateral relations' visibility and momentum. He also extended condolences over the passing of King Harald V and offered warm felicitations to King Haakon VIII on his ascension to the Norwegian throne.
Ambassador Gulbrandsen congratulated Kobir on his new role and voiced confidence in the continued deepening of the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Norway. He praised the efforts of the Bangladesh government towards democratic reforms and lauded the country's actions in hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas. He also reaffirmed Norway's commitment to collaborating with Dhaka in multilateral forums for the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Both sides reiterated their dedication to further strengthening the Bangladesh-Norway partnership at both bilateral and multilateral levels.