ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Norway on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation during the highest-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries in a decade, with both sides agreeing to strengthen collaboration in trade, investment, climate action, maritime affairs, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held restricted and delegation-level talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged views on key regional and international developments. The two countries also acknowledged the significant contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway and agreed to enhance bilateral engagement across multiple sectors.
How will Pakistan and Norway expand bilateral cooperation?
During the talks, both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, climate change, renewable energy, maritime affairs and education while exploring new opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships. The two sides expressed satisfaction over the warm state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to broadening economic and diplomatic engagement.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide highlighted the strong links between Pakistan and Norway, noting the important role played by the Pakistani community in Norway as well as the contribution of Norwegian companies operating in Pakistan.
What did Norway say about Pakistan’s regional role?
Addressing a joint press conference, FM Eide praised Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional and international peace and acknowledged Islamabad’s constructive engagement during the recent US-Iran conflict. He said Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives had earned international recognition and warned that continued regional tensions posed risks to global stability and economic growth.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening relations with Norway and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. FM Eide is on a two-day official visit to Pakistan at Dar’s invitation, marking the highest-level exchange between the two countries in ten years.