Pakistan, Norway reaffirm resolve to strengthen bilateral ties, expand engagement in defence, security

On Thursday, Pakistan and Norway reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding engagements in defence and security sectors. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, on a two-day visit to Pakistan, met with Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, where they reiterated their resolve to further strengthen ties and expand engagements in defence and security.

They discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security, and bilateral relations. Field Marshal Munir emphasized Pakistan's perspective on global peace and regional stability, stressing the importance of cooperation to address common security challenges. The Norwegian minister appreciated Pakistan's professional role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Earlier, Eide addressed a press conference alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, where he praised Pakistan's mediation role in the US-Iran conflict, calling it a "service to the world". He stressed the importance of upholding international law, which applies to all countries at all times. Eide also lauded Pakistan's efforts in mediating the conflict, recognizing the magnitude of the task at hand.

The Norwegian minister highlighted Pakistan's importance as a large shipping nation and emphasized the need to protect the principle of free passage in the high seas. He discussed other regional issues, including the Kashmir conflict and Afghanistan. Eide expressed his honor at being in Pakistan, noting it was his first visit since 2013.

He and Dar agreed to enhance ties in various areas, including trade, investment, education, defence, climate change, IT, and maritime affairs. They agreed that bilateral trade needed to be increased and that Pakistan offered significant investment opportunities for Norwegian companies.