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Oslo, Riyadh Look to Boost Trade, Cooperation in Green Energy, Aquaculture Fields

Norwegian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Thomas Lid Ball (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Norwegian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Thomas Lid Ball (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Oslo, Riyadh Look to Boost Trade, Cooperation in Green Energy, Aquaculture Fields

Norwegian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Thomas Lid Ball (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Norwegian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Thomas Lid Ball (Asharq Al-Awsat)

A Norwegian diplomat revealed that his country is actively seeking to enhance economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia, particularly in the fields of green energy and aquaculture, amid ongoing efforts to increase trade and investment, highlighting the deep bilateral relations.

Thomas Lid Ball, Norway's ambassador in Riyadh, expected that the coming years would witness further advancements on all fronts.

Ball drew attention to the promising investment opportunities presented by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

He also emphasized the strong desire of numerous Norwegian investors to operate in the Saudi market and take advantage of the vast opportunities it offers as one of the largest markets in the region.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Ball anticipated an increase in activities and meetings between business sectors, as well as an exchange of visits by trade delegations.

This aims to explore investment opportunities in both Norway and Saudi Arabia, enhance trade and investment cooperation, and capitalize on the promising prospects available in various sectors for developing business partnerships.

Moreover, Ball highlighted Saudi Arabia’s economic advancements and its favorable investment environment, emphasizing the efforts to explore significant opportunities for economic cooperation between Norway and the Kingdom.

This extends beyond the oil and gas sectors to encompass healthcare, tourism, seafood industries, aquaculture, maritime industries, renewable energy, solar energy, and water sectors.

Ball reiterated his commitment to work towards achieving development and further enhancing bilateral trade relations.

He also anticipated the entry of new Norwegian companies into the Saudi market.

Ball stated that there are significant opportunities in the Kingdom that are currently undergoing a phase of transformation and development for sustainable growth. He emphasized the potential for expanding cooperation in various industries, including the seafood sector.

The diplomat clarified that Norway has made significant strides in the aquaculture industry, producing over half of the world’s farmed Atlantic salmon.

These salmon are exported to more than 100 countries, with total Norwegian salmon sales to Saudi Arabia reaching $27 million in 2019.

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Siddiq al-Mahdi: Sudanese Public Unites on Need to End War

Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Siddiq al-Mahdi: Sudanese Public Unites on Need to End War

Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Siddiq al-Mahdi, Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid to Sudanese citizens suffering from the ongoing conflict.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat in Addis Ababa, al-Mahdi criticized the National Congress Party for manipulating its alliance with the military to advance its political goals.

Al-Mahdi said he would only engage in the political process if the party ends its connection with the military and security forces.

He highlighted a growing recognition of the need to end the war, noting a shift away from military solutions as a positive sign of Sudanese public opinion converging on the need for peace.

The Taqaddum official said this change has reduced support for the war and increased regional and international calls for its end.

Al-Mahdi warned that the war has caused a severe humanitarian crisis and poses threats to the region, neighboring countries, the Horn of Africa, and Red Sea security.

“The need to stop the war is now urgent, and we must act on this,” he said.

He praised international efforts, including the Paris and Cairo conferences and the UN's attempts to bring the warring sides together in Geneva for aid and protection.

Al-Mahdi also revealed that his coalition had proposed a plan to the military and Rapid Support Forces, focusing on humanitarian aid, political arrangements to end the war, and a transition to civilian democracy.

He stressed that the humanitarian situation cannot wait for the war to end.

“Providing aid and protecting citizens are urgent priorities. We need to act now to deliver aid, even before the war ends,” he said.

He noted that the best approach involves coordinating initiatives from various platforms, including Jeddah, IGAD, and its key member states Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, as well as Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations.

Al-Mahdi emphasized that all these entities are working on humanitarian and peace efforts.

He stated that any alignment among mediators, conflict parties, and civil components is viewed by Taqaddum as a comprehensive process for achieving peace.