The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg, receiving a courtesy visit from the Norwegian Ambassador to Malaysia at Satria Pertiwi Complex on Tuesday.
The meeting highlights the need to enhance bilateral relations between Sarawak and Norway, where multilateral discussions are expected to involve economic cooperation, energy development sectors, and sustainable growth.
The Premier delved into Sarawak’s initiatives to grow into a renewable energy powerhouse and an innovator, while the Ambassador said Norway is open to seeking collaborative avenues within the framework of global sustainability objectives.
Also joining the meeting were Dato Fenny Nuli, Director of the Sarawak Regional Office from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Knut Oyvind Granu, Deputy Head of Mission, Norwegian Embassy in Malaysia; Dr Mazlan Shah, Managing Director, DNV; and Datu Ir. Ts. Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) director Awang Mohammad Fadillah Awang Redzuan.
Having long been a partner in global initiatives towards clean energy and environmental stewardship, Norway has considerable expertise to share on renewable energy and sustainable resource management.
This visit by the Ambassador also demonstrates Norway’s desire to support Sarawak’s aspirations to lead in hydrogen energy and sustainable development efforts within Southeast Asia.
“The state aspires to build international partnerships that would contribute positively to Sarawak’s economic resilience and technological advancement,” the Premier highlighted.
He pointed out that partnerships with other countries like Norway would help speed up Sarawak’s transition towards a green economy, in addition to serving as channels for knowledge transfer and investment.
This was especially relevant for the Norwegian company DNV, which is one of Norway’s largest energy companies and has a presence all over the world in risk management and quality assurance, while to a certain extent, it highlighted opportunities and prospects for cooperation on more energy infrastructure projects. Sarawak is now promoting hydrogen energy and digital technology, while Norway is an expert in both.
Sarawak’s ambitious agenda with its international partners is cemented with this visit, placing Sarawak in a position as a state open to the world. The negotiations will lay the groundwork for future initiatives tailored to both Sarawak’s developmental trajectory and Norway’s sustainability-centric policy priorities.
