PENANG-born Datuk Lio Chee Yeong has been officially appointed as the honorary consul of Norway in Penang.
The ceremony was held simultaneously with the announcement of the opening of the Norwegian honorary consulate office in the state. The honorary consulate office has been closed since 2015.
Representing the Penang government at the ceremony was Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who congratulated Lio on his appointment.
Chow was confident that Lio would boost stronger relations between Norway and Penang.
“As a Penangite who is already familiar with the duties of an honorary consul, you are in the best position to promote Penang to our Norwegian friends, and vice-versa.
“Together, there is much to gain from this deepening friendship.
“The state government is supportive of the growing number of consular representations in Penang, and we certainly welcome more exposure for Penang in Norway and her fellow Scandinavian neighbours,” he said.
Lio is also the honorary consul of Denmark in Penang.
Chow said diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Norway were established in 1968.
“Since then, both countries have maintained ties based on trust and mutual respect.
“With the re-opening of the honorary consulate office here, I hope our ties will be strengthened in the fields of business, investment and other areas of mutual interest,” Chow said in his speech at a brief gathering with other state leaders at Penang Club in George Town today.
Lio thanked the Penang government and the government of Norway for giving him support.
“I am indeed honoured to be the bearer of Norway’s flag in Penang, and I will fulfil the call with the same patriotism I have given Penang and Malaysia.
“My key responsibilities include helping Norwegians residing and visiting Penang, Kedah and Perlis.
“I am keen to explore new possibilities in making this Penang-Norway relationship a special one,” Lio said in his speech.
Among those present during the ceremony were state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi and Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis