'A service to the world': Norwegian minister praises Pakistan's leadership for US-Iran mediation efforts

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide commended Pakistan's role in the US-Iran conflict mediation efforts on Thursday during a press conference in Islamabad. Eide, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's leadership and the important role it has played in the ongoing war that began on February 28.

He emphasized that Norway supports international law and that it must apply to everyone, everywhere, all the time. Eide acknowledged the difficulty of mediation and lauded Pakistan's civilian and military leadership for their efforts. He also highlighted that Pakistan's mediation efforts benefit Norway as a large shipping nation due to the importance of open sea lanes and trade in the high seas.

Eide mentioned that his message to all involved in the conflict is that the issue of free passage and an open strait is a global issue that they all share an interest in promoting. Eide discussed regional issues, such as the Kashmir issue and Afghanistan, during the visit and expressed his happiness about a recently signed defense pact between Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

He emphasized that there is a strong partnership between Norway and Pakistan, and they are discussing strengthening economic ties and enhancing trade relations in more structural ways. Eide also mentioned that Pakistan offers enormous investment opportunities to Norwegian companies, particularly in technology, and called for the expeditious finalization of various agreements and memoranda of understanding.