Norwegian FM, Army Chief Munir discuss regional security, defence ties

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide met with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, on Thursday. The two discussed regional security, bilateral relations and other matters of mutual interest at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Field Marshal Munir updated Eide on Pakistan's perspective regarding global peace and regional stability, emphasizing the significance of collaboration to tackle common security concerns.

The Norwegian minister acknowledged the vital role played by the Pakistani Armed Forces in fostering regional peace and stability. Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing bilateral ties and broadening cooperation in defense and security sectors. Prior to the meeting, Eide had a delegation-level conversation with Dar and Munir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, where he praised Pakistan's "significant and constructive role" during the recent Iran-US conflict.

The high-level delegation explored all facets of Pakistan-Norway relations, including trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs, and education. They expressed satisfaction with the "cordial" nature of the bilateral ties and agreed to further deepen cooperation in shared areas of interest. Eide particularly commended Pakistan's role during the recent Iran-US conflict and recognized the leadership and contributions of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Forces Munir.

The officials also acknowledged the crucial role of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway and agreed to bolster people-to-people connections. Eide arrived in Islamabad earlier this week for an official visit, marking the first high-level Norwegian official visit to Pakistan in a decade. Following the talks, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan highly values its relations with Norway and looks forward to further strengthening them.

He highlighted the potential for boosting bilateral trade and mentioned a Norwegian company, Yara International, establishing a joint venture with Fauji Fertilizer Company in Pakistan. Dar also noted that the technology partnership between Norway and Pakistan has been successful, citing a five-fold increase in Pakistan's IT exports to Norway.