Malaysia has sharply criticized Norway's decision to cancel a $2.8 billion Naval Strike Missile system contract, stating that the move dealt a blow to the credibility of international agreements. This was reported by Bloomberg, according to UNN.
Details
Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that the matter goes far beyond a bilateral dispute. According to him, Oslo's actions call into question the reliability of international contracts and strategic partnerships.
Norway explained the cancellation of the deal, which was concluded back in 2011, by changes in export control regulations. The new restrictions stipulate the sale of certain types of weapons only to the country's allies and closest partners.
Kuala Lumpur seeks alternative
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Mohamed Khaled stated that smaller nations are often forced to pay the price for the political decisions of stronger countries.
"This raises a very disturbing question about whether international agreements and strategic partnerships can be trusted at all,"
According to the minister, Malaysia is already considering alternative proposals for the purchase of missile systems. Earlier, he reported that the American side had offered Kuala Lumpur a replacement for the Norwegian weaponry.
The criticism of Norway comes amid Malaysia's efforts to maintain relations with several centers of power simultaneously, including the US, China, and Russia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has repeatedly emphasized the need to protect the interests of the Global South and adhere to the principles of international law.
Britain and Poland sign defense treaty amid threat from Russia27.05.26, 16:51