Pakistan and Norway have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas including trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide held delegation-level talks in Islamabad, according to the Foreign Office.
The two sides reviewed bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction with the friendly and cordial relations between the two countries.
They also agreed to strengthen people-to-people contacts and appreciated the contribution of the large Pakistani community living in Norway.
Norway praises Pakistan’s peace role
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide appreciated Pakistan’s “important and constructive role” during the recent Iran-US conflict and praised its efforts to promote regional and global peace.
Eide also commended the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during a period of heightened regional tensions.
He said Pakistan had gained international recognition for its peace efforts and described the current regional tensions as extremely dangerous for global peace and the economy.
Eide also highlighted the role of Norwegian companies operating in Pakistan and their contribution to the country’s development.
Pakistan seeks stronger partnership
Dar welcomed the Norwegian foreign minister to Islamabad and said Pakistan was keen to further develop close and strong relations with Norway.
He noted that Pakistan and Norway had maintained a partnership spanning 78 years and expressed Islamabad’s desire to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and global developments during their meeting.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between Pakistan and Norway.
