State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir today sought more support of Norway to Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector as the country pursues its green transition.

He made the call when Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen paid a courtesy call on him at the foreign ministry here today, according to a ministry press release.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, renewable energy, maritime affairs, fisheries, climate change, green transition, technology transfer and environmentally sound ship recycling.

Kobir particularly underscored the potential for greater Norwegian investment in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector and sought Oslo’s support in accelerating such investment.

The Norwegian ambassador expressed his country’s interest in working together with Bangladesh on renewable energy initiatives.

The two sides noted with satisfaction the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and Norway and expressed their commitment to further expanding cooperation across a wide range of areas of mutual interest.

Kobir also highlighted the importance of greater exchanges of high-level visits to enhance the visibility and momentum of bilateral relations.

The state minister expressed deep condolence over the demise of King Harald V and extended warm felicitations to King Haakon VIII on his accession to the Norwegian throne.

Ambassador Gulbrandsen congratulated Kobir on assuming office and expressed confidence that the longstanding and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Norway would continue to deepen in future.

He also appreciated the Bangladesh government’s efforts towards democratic reforms.

The Norwegian envoy lauded Bangladesh’s efforts in hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas and reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to working closely with Dhaka in multilateral forum towards their safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Bangladesh-Norway partnership at bilateral and multilateral levels.