"The volume of trade between Bangladesh and Norway is very small and does not reflect the close political relations," he said, seeking Norway's cooperation in this regard.

The president made this remark when newly appointed Norwegian Ambassador Lngebjorg Stofring presented her credentials to him at Bangabhaban.

Iajuddin mentioned that both the countries share identical views on many issues and cooperate closely with each other in various international forums.

Despite its huge population burden, resource constraints and recurrent natural calamities, the President said Bangladesh has achieved notable improvement in its human development sectors over the recent decade.

Ambassador Stofring said the relation between Norway and Bangladesh is excellent and praised the ongoing development in Bangladesh.

Earlier, on her arrival at Bangabhaban, the President's Guard Regiment (PGR) gave a guard of honour to the ambassador. She took salute and inspected the parade.

Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin, Military Secretary to the President Maj Gen M Aminul Karim, Secretary to the President Jafar Ahmed Chowdhury, Press Secretary to the President M Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury and other senior officials of Foreign Ministry and Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka were also present.