Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide met Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Thursday, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Eide led a high-level Norwegian delegation during the meeting, which focused on matters of mutual interest, regional security and bilateral relations between Pakistan and Norway.
According to ISPR, Field Marshal Asim Munir briefed the Norwegian delegation on Pakistan’s position regarding global peace and regional stability.
He stressed the importance of greater cooperation and joint efforts to address common security challenges.
Norway praises Pakistan Army’s peace role
The Norwegian foreign minister appreciated the professional role of the Pakistan Army in promoting regional peace and stability.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and agreed to enhance cooperation and contacts in the fields of defence and security.
The meeting came as Pakistan and Norway seek to expand cooperation across several sectors.
Pakistan, Norway discuss broader cooperation
Earlier, Eide held delegation-level talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.
The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas including trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education.
They also agreed to enhance people-to-people contacts and welcomed the contribution of Pakistan’s large community in Norway.
Norway backs Pakistan’s peace efforts
Eide also praised Pakistan’s “important and constructive role” during the recent Iran-US conflict, commending Islamabad’s efforts to promote regional and global peace.
He also acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir during heightened regional tensions.
The Norwegian minister described the current tensions as extremely dangerous for global peace and the world economy, while highlighting the contribution of Norwegian companies operating in Pakistan.
