Khaled said Norway’s actions showed that statements about bilateral ties being strong, longstanding and in need of further strengthening are now meaningless.
“What we are going through will leave a permanent scar on Malaysia-Norway relations, and it is unlikely that the relationship can ever return to what it once was,” he told a press conference in Singapore.
The press conference was held following his talks with his Norwegian counterpart on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026.
Khaled also said that following this episode, Malaysia must be certain about which countries are genuinely sincere and trustworthy partners, and which are not.
Earlier this month, Khaled said Malaysia is seeking more than RM1 billion in damages from Norwegian missile manufacturer Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace following Norway’s decision to cancel export licences for a naval strike missile system intended for the Malaysian navy.
He said Norway’s last-minute cancellation of the export licence, despite Malaysia having paid 95% of the contract value, forced Putrajaya to issue the company a notice of demand.
The procurement contract was signed in April 2018 to equip six new littoral combat ships.
Commenting on the compensation claim, Khaled expressed hope the Norwegian government would undertake to advance the funds Malaysia already paid under the agreement.
“It can then resolve the matter directly with the company from its own country and recover the amount it has advanced to us,” he said.
The Norwegian government had revoked a permit for the missile system ordered by Malaysia, stating that exports of its defence technology would be limited to its “allies and closest partners”.
Norway’s foreign affairs ministry also said it decided to revoke the export licence for the missile system and its associated launcher systems due to the changing security landscape in Europe and around the world.
Earlier today, Khaled said Norwegian defence minister Tore O Sandvik apologised for the cancellation of the export licence but maintained the decision to uphold the move.