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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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Pakistan FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Eastern Neighbor’s Ambitions Fueled by Dominance Desire

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar
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Pakistan FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Eastern Neighbor’s Ambitions Fueled by Dominance Desire

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan enjoy a special relationship with close cooperation on many issues. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar described this bond as deep and long-standing, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s crucial support for Pakistan’s growth and prosperity.

Saudi Arabia hosts 28% of Pakistani expatriates, reflecting the strong ties between the two nations.

Pakistan’s top diplomat, in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, emphasized the importance of Saudi investments in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

Dar highlighted shared priorities in promoting stability and addressing security threats in the Middle East, noting that recent security collaborations have further enhanced their ties.

The minister accused India of having expansionist ambitions in South Asia, particularly targeting Pakistan. He expressed concern over India’s growing military imports and its use of military power to intimidate neighboring countries.

Dar also stated that Pakistan will not recognize Israel until a fair resolution for the Palestinians is achieved. He highlighted that recent escalations show the consequences of Israel’s actions and ongoing violations of international law.

The minister stressed the enduring support between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, driven by geographical proximity, religious and cultural ties. Both countries are focused on boosting bilateral trade, surpassing $2.5 billion, and sealing investment deals.

The Saudi Crown Prince had reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to accelerating investment initiatives.

Dar pointed out the regular exchanges between business, civilian, and military leaders of both countries, showing the deep fraternal bond. He stressed the robust economic, political, and defense relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, noting their shared interests.

He emphasized the vital role of Saudi support in Pakistan’s development, saying it strengthens the partnership.

Dar also noted an unprecedented level of bilateral exchanges and hoped the ongoing meetings between Pakistani and Saudi businessmen would benefit Pakistan economically.

The minister emphasized the vital role of Saudi investments in boosting fraternal relations. He expressed Pakistan’s interest in turning this connection into a mutually beneficial economic partnership.

Pakistan sees itself as an attractive market with untapped potential, offering significant benefits to partners.

Both Pakistan and India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2017.

When asked about the SCO’s role in reducing tension, Dar explained that while SCO forums allow member states to discuss common interests, they focus on enhancing multilateral cooperation and don't address bilateral issues.

He mentioned Pakistan’s organization of practical cooperation events as the current chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, with participation from India and other member states during 2023-2024.

Dar expressed concerns about India’s expansionist mindset, especially towards Pakistan, and its military buildup to assert dominance in South Asia. He highlighted worries about India’s increasing military imports, which could destabilize the region and upset strategic balance.