Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said both Bangladesh and Norway exemplify that even relatively smaller powers can wield considerable influence in shaping global norms and discourses.

“We believe we shall continue to be inspired by Norway and other Nordic countries as we remain pledge-bound to build a peaceful, just, inclusive and prosperous society as part of our government’s Vision 2041,” he said.

The Foreign Minister made the remarks while addressing a reception held at a city hotel on Sunday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Norway bilateral relations.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Anniken Huitfeldt and Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen were present.

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Momen assured Minister Huitfeldt that, if the last fifty years can be any guide, Norway can certainly place its bet on its future partnership with Bangladesh.

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,” said the Foreign Minister.

Over the years, he said, the dynamics of the bilateral relations gradually shifted from traditional development cooperation to mutually beneficial economic partnership.

Earlier, Momen had a “fruitful discussion” with Minister Huitfeldt, following her day-long visit to Cox’s Bazar to witness the situation of Myanmar’s forcibly displaced Rohingya.

“We have renewed our interest in adding further dynamism to our bilateral ties through enhanced trade, investment and maritime cooperation,” he said, adding that they look forward to sustaining the momentum of the political engagements with the newly elected Norwegian government.

Momen thanked Norway for offering duty and quota free market access for all products but arms from the Least Developed Countries.

“We acknowledge that there is scope for further expanding and diversifying the volume of our bilateral trade. We count on Norway’s support in making our LDC graduation smooth,” he said.

Both Bangladesh and Norway are ardent proponents of multilateralism, and maintain an independence of foreign policy.

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“We acknowledge Norway’s constructive role as an elected member of the UN Security Council in the current term, including on the Rohingya issue. Our two countries share common objectives at the UN on peacekeeping, peacebuilding, mediation and preventing violent extremism,” he said.