WEB DESK: Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has praised Pakistan’s leadership for promoting regional peace and stability during the US-Iran conflict.
The Norwegian foreign minister expressed these views during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Pakistan and Norway also agreed to further deepen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education.
The talks were held during Eide’s two-day visit to Pakistan, the first by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in a decade.
According to Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, the two sides held detailed discussions on a broad range of bilateral, regional and global issues.
The discussions covered trade and investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education, with both sides reviewing ways to expand practical cooperation in these areas.
Pakistan and Norway also agreed to strengthen collaboration in other fields of mutual interest and expressed satisfaction over the “warm and friendly” relations between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to strengthen people-to-people contacts while recognising the important role played by the Pakistani diaspora in Norway in promoting links between the two countries.
During the talks, the Norwegian foreign minister expressed his country’s commitment to further consolidating bilateral ties with Pakistan.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the evolving situation in the region.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, Eide appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role during the Pakistan-Iran-US conflict, saying Islamabad had contributed positively to efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.
The Norwegian foreign minister also praised the leadership and role of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as well as the contribution of Ishaq Dar.
He also acknowledged the role of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in the context of regional peace and stability.
Eide said Pakistan had played a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Eide arrived in Islamabad earlier on Thursday for a two-day official visit, marking the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to Pakistan in 10 years.
Additional Foreign Secretary for Europe Ambassador Ayesha Ali received the Norwegian foreign minister at the airport, according to the Foreign Office.
Eide was subsequently welcomed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Ishaq Dar before the delegation-level talks.
The visit provides an opportunity for both countries to review their bilateral relationship and identify areas where cooperation can be expanded, particularly in trade, investment, climate action, education and maritime affairs.
The discussions also underline the importance both sides attach to stronger people-to-people links and the contribution of the Pakistani community in Norway to bilateral relations.
The two countries have also maintained engagement on regional and global issues, with Thursday’s talks providing an opportunity for Pakistan to highlight its diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region.
The Norwegian foreign minister’s visit is expected to provide further momentum to bilateral engagement and reinforce cooperation between Islamabad and Oslo across multiple sectors.