Norway has reaffirmed its commitment to relations with Malaysia after Malaysia decided to halt future military purchases from Norway.
The decision follows Norway’s withdrawal of export licences linked to the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system for Malaysia’s Littoral Combat Ship programme.
Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Eivind Vad Petersson said Oslo regretted that stricter export controls had affected Malaysia.
“As previously stated, it is regrettable that the stricter application of our export control regulations has had a negative impact on Malaysia,” Petersson told the New Straits Times.
He added that Norway highly values its longstanding relationship with Malaysia. Petersson also said Oslo looked forward to continued cooperation and constructive dialogue with the Malaysian authorities.
According to Petersson, Norway tightened controls on sensitive defence technologies because of changes in the security situation in Europe and globally.
Malaysia announced this week that it would stop future defence procurement from Norway. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman said replacing the NSM system could take at least two years. He warned the delay would leave newly commissioned navy ships without missile capability.
Malaysia is expected to begin negotiations with Norwegian defence company KDA in mid-August. The talks aim to reach an amicable settlement over the cancelled export licence.
The dispute stems from Norway’s decision earlier this year to revoke export licences related to the NSM system. Malaysia has since reassessed its defence relationship with Norway while seeking a resolution to the issue.
