KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is in the process of forming a new foreign policy framework which would reflect the values of the New Malaysia, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah.
He said that one of the key elements of the new framework is economic diplomacy, which would see the Ministry working together with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
Saifuddin said this in his speech at a function marking 50 years of bilateral relations between Norway and Malaysia; and 25 years of the Norwegian Seafood Gala Dinner here last night.
The dinner was hosted by Norwegian Ambassador to Malaysia, Gunn Jorid Roset.
Saifuddin said that bilateral relations between Norway and Malaysia remain warm and cordial through various forms of co-operation.
He said Norway is one of Malaysia's major sources of foreign investment, with 50 Norwegian companies currently operating in the country.
Meanwhile, Roset said that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is scheduled to meet Norway’s Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, at the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) in Brussels, Belgium from Oct 18 to 19.
Norway's “bounty from the sea” was showcased at the grand dinner, orchestrated by renowned Norwegian chef Frank Naesheim and his team of culinary professionals from Norway, Malaysia and Singapore. -- Bernama