Dhaka counts on Norway's support for smooth LDC graduation: Momen

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen Sunday said Dhaka counts on Norway's support in making Bangladesh's smooth graduation from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group. "We wish to see Norway's increased presence in our mutual interest like logistics, shipping, deep sea fishing, renewable energy, house building materials, and information and communications technology," he said.

 Dr Momen was speaking at a reception marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Norway diplomatic relations where Norwegian foreign minister Annekin Huitfeldt also joins.  Bangladesh foreign minister urged Norway to consider Bangladesh as a potential partner for research and innovation, with focus on Blue Economy.

 "We acknowledge Norway's constructive role as an elected member of the UN Security Council in the current term, including on the Rohingya issue," he said.

Dr Momen said both Bangladesh and Norway are ardent proponents of multilateralism, and maintain an independence of foreign policy," he said adding that Dhaka remains a Norway's reliable partner in the pursuit of peace diplomacy amid an increasingly volatile world order.

Dr Momen said Bangladesh remains committed to work together with Norway and other partners to promote the women, peace and security agenda. The foreign minister said Bangladesh and Norway also join hands in advancing the cause of women's empowerment in both international and local contexts.

"With our Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the lead, our women and girls continue to make their mark in all spheres of life," he said. He recalled with gratitude that Norway was among the first European countries to have recognised an independent Bangladesh in 1972.

"The government and people of Norway stood by our side as our nation embarked on a difficult reconstruction and rehabilitation effort under the leadership of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," he said.

Over the years, he said, the dynamics of the two countries' bilateral relations gradually shifted from traditional development cooperation to mutually beneficial economic partnership.  "We have renewed our interest in adding further dynamism to our bilateral ties through enhanced trade, investment and maritime cooperation," he said.

 The foreign minister said Bangladesh looks forward to sustaining the momentum of our political engagements with the newly elected Norwegian government.