ISLAMABAD(National Times)- Pakistan and Norway on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in defence and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, called on Chief of Defence Forces and the Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, with the two leaders reiterating their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties and expand engagement in defence and security, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two sides discussed matters of \u201cmutual interest, regional security, and bilateral relations\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the meeting, Field Marshal Munir highlighted \u201cPakistan\u2019s perspective on global peace and regional stability\u201d and stressed the \u201cimportance of cooperation and collaborative efforts to address common security challenges\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Norwegian foreign minister appreciated the \u201cprofessional role\u201d played by the Pakistan Armed Forces \u201cin promoting regional peace and stability\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier in the day, Eide addressed a press conference alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, during which he lauded Pakistan\u2019s mediatory role in the US-Iran conflict, saying it was a \u201cservice to the world and hence, also to us\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI also really want to reiterate our strong support for the very important role that Pakistan has taken in this dramatic war that started on February 28 with the US-Israel attack on Iran,\u201d he said, recalling that Norway was one of the Western countries that was \u201cclearest and earliest\u201d in stating that the war was a violation of international rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf we stand up for international law, it has to apply to everyone, everywhere, all the time,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said that while Norway had \u201csignificant disagreements with Iran on other issues, they also have the right to be protected as a state\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Referring to Pakistan\u2019s mediatory role in the ongoing conflict, he said he realised how difficult mediation and facilitation of parleys between the two sides could be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know what a massive task you were taking on when you offered Islamabad not only as the venue but also as the facilitator of these talks,\u201d he said, lauding Pakistan\u2019s civilian and military leadership for their efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat you have been doing is really a service to the world, and hence, also to us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Norwegian foreign minister said Pakistan\u2019s mediation efforts also mattered to his country as it was a large shipping nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe share an interest in open sea lanes and the ability to trade in the high seas, and to respect the Constitution of the Oceans [\u2026] Whatever emerges from this tragic and unnecessary war in Gulf, we need to protect the principle of the free passage,\u201d he explained. \u201cAnd I am so happy we see completely eye to eye [on this],\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The visiting minister added that his message to \u201canyone involved out there in the conflict is that this issue of free passage and an open strait is not an issue for the warring parties alone. It is a global issue that we have a shared interest in promoting\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said he had discussed other regional issues during the visit as well, ranging from the Kashmir issue to Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, Eide said, he was glad to learn more about a recently signed defence pact<\/a> between Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia in Makkah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese are three countries with whom Norway has very good and close relations,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the outset of his address, Eide said he was honoured to be in Pakistan, saying the last time a Norwegian foreign minister visited Pakistan was 10 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo it was about time,\u201d he remarked. \u201cI promised you many months ago that I would come, and today, I live up to my promise. I was looking forward to this visit, which is short but very effective.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eide said there was a \u201cstrong partnership\u201d between Norway and Pakistan, as well as the people of the two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have a sizeable diaspora of Pakistani descent [\u2026] Many of them are in key positions of politics and society and are a very welcome contribution to our country; and the fact that we have so many people who know these two countries intimately is yet another argument for strengthening our economic ties,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Norwegian foreign minister further said that Oslo and Islamabad were discussing strengthening economic ties \u201cin the context of specifics\u201d and enhancing trade ties in more structural ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also mentioned climate change and floods in Pakistan, saying that the two sides agreed it was a foreign policy issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd if you need one additional argument for stopping wars apart from relieving suffering and ending economic harm, it is that mankind should collectively try to focus on the real issues that require real cooperative action,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eide mentioned combatting nature loss, climate change, promoting global health and fighting poverty in this connection, adding that all of them were on his agenda for discussions during the visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking before him, Dar said the two countries had agreed to enhance their ties and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, education, defence, climate change, IT and maritime affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said Pakistan greatly valued its relations with Norway and looked forward to further strengthening these ties in the days, weeks and months to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, he continued, bilateral political consultations (BPC) between the two countries had become a regular feature. \u201cWe are looking forward to hosting the next round of BPC in Islamabad later this year in the winter,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dar said the two sides also agreed that bilateral trade between Norway and Pakistan was \u201cbelow the potential of both economies and needs to be enhanced through effective measures\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPakistan offers enormous investment opportunities to Norwegian companies, and it is heartening to see many leading Norwegian companies investing in Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA renowned Norwegian company, Yara International, is establishing a joint venture in plant nutrition with the Fauji Fertiliser company. I hope this initiative will be a trailblazer for many more future projects between our two great countries,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dar termed Pakistan\u2019s partnership with Norway in the field of technology \u201ca success story\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPakistan\u2019s IT exports to Norway have grown more than five-fold in the last two years, and I have no doubt that this is only the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He further stated that the two sides also agreed on the expedient finalisation of various agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU).<\/p>\n\n\n\n On climate change, he said there was a convergence of perspectives between the two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is heartening to note that Pakistan and Norway signed the MoU under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on April 1 this year,\u201d he said, adding that the two sides also held talks on cooperation in maritime affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said he had told the visiting dignitary that Pakistan was \u201cone of the world\u2019s largest ship recycling facilities, and our strategic location makes it the most competitive and nearest recycling destination in this maritime region for ships coming from Norway\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dar thanked Norway\u2019s maritime authorities for their support in capacity building and providing technical training for Pakistan\u2019s shipbreaking industry in line with the Hong Kong International Convention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He added that Pakistan and Norway had agreed to enhance people-to-people contact, which he said could become \u201cdefining for our relations and serve as social and cultural bridges between the two countries\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The DPM said the two sides had also discussed labour mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe agreed to continue work on legal pathways for Pakistan\u2019s skilled manpower, expressing the need to combat human smuggling and illegal migration. Both sides agreed that by providing safe, orderly and regular migration channels, we not only protect migrants\u2019 rights and lives but also dismantle the illegal model of smuggling networks,\u201d he elaborated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dar further said that both Pakistan and Norway shared a commitment to multilateralism, the principles of the United Nations Charter, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur two countries remain actively engaged on issues related to the UN Security Council, and the two sides have strong convergence of views on major issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBuilding on our previous experience of working together in international bodies and multilateral fora, both sides affirm their desire to continue mutual support and consultations on such forums.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dar said he had also briefed the Norwegian foreign minister and delegation on the Kashmir issue. He said he told them that India had added a new dimension to an already volatile security situation by unilaterally announcing the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty in contravention of international law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe reiterate that India must end the weaponisation of water and uphold its treaty obligations under international legal obligations,\u201d he asserted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dar said he had further briefed the Norwegian foreign minister on Pakistan\u2019s diplomatic efforts for promoting dialogue, de-escalation and peaceful settlement of the US-Iran conflict. He thanked him for appreciating Pakistan\u2019s role as a mediator in the conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, he said, he had broadly discussed the Makkah defence pact with the visiting dignitary. \u201cWe had a great discussion, and it happens that all three countries enjoy the best of relations with Norway,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The DPM concluded his address, saying: \u201cWe agreed on the need to find peaceful solutions to the international conflicts in full respect of the principles of international law and the UN Charter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI thank his excellency, my dear friend, for his visit. I am confident that this visit will open a new chapter in Pakistan-Norway relations and will contribute to greater cooperation and mutual prosperity for the people of both countries in the years ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier in the day, Eide held delegation-level talks with DPM Dar, according to the Foreign Office (FO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the talks, the two sides reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education. They recognised the important role of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway and agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two sides expressed satisfaction at the warm and cordial state of Pakistan-Norway relations and agreed to further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FO said the two sides also held in-depth discussions on regional and international developments of mutual interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the delegation-level talks, the visiting dignitary also recognised Pakistan\u2019s role in the US-Iran war as \u201cimportant and constructive\u201d, lauding the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Munir and DPM Dar, as per the FO statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eide had also appreciated Pakistan\u2019s efforts to promote peace and expressed Norway\u2019s desire to further strengthen bilateral ties earlier in the day in televised remarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said Norway and Pakistan had a \u201cvery strong bilateral partnership\u201d, adding that the presence of a large Pakistani community in Norway, which was \u201cwell integrated into Norwegian society\u201d, had helped strengthen ties between the two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere are many leading politicians in Norway and many close colleagues who are actually of Pakistani-Norwegian descent, so it has really made a mark,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eide said business ties between the two countries were also growing, particularly in the energy and fertiliser sectors, with Norwegian companies increasingly looking at opportunities in Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said Norway also saw opportunities for Pakistan to strengthen economic relations through its cooperation with Switzerland and Iceland, noting that the three countries could provide further avenues for expanding business relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Turning to the regional situation, Eide strongly commended the actions taken by Pakistan\u2019s leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eide described the ongoing war as \u201cincredibly dangerous\u201d for global peace as well as the world economy, and praised Pakistan for stepping forward. He also appreciated Pakistan\u2019s role in facilitating the Islamabad talks and maintaining engagement with the parties involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI think it is fair to say that the position of Pakistan on the world stage, also in peacemaking, has really been strengthened by this commitment,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eide said Norway was ready to assist Pakistan\u2019s peace efforts, noting that Oslo had experience in peace negotiations and maintained open dialogue with both Tehran and Washington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWherever we can be useful, we will,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also highlighted Norway\u2019s experience in international maritime affairs, saying the country was among the world\u2019s major seafaring nations despite its relatively small population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said Norway could therefore play a constructive role in discussions concerning international maritime law and developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two ministers also held a \u201crestricted-format meeting\u201d earlier today, FO said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDPM Dar warmly welcomed Eide to Pakistan. The two ministers discussed the full range of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest,\u201d according to FO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Upon his arrival in Islamabad, Eide was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Ayesha Ali.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a statement on Wednesday, the FO said the minister is undertaking the visit from Aug 13-14 at Dar\u2019s invitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visit is the first by a Norwegian foreign minister in a decade, the FO said, adding that the visit would build on high-level engagement between the two countries, including phone conversation between Dar and Eide in March <\/a>and April<\/a>, and the visit <\/a>of Norway\u2019s State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik to Islamabad in May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The FO stated that the visit would provide an opportunity to \u201cfurther strengthen the longstanding and cordial relations between Pakistan and Norway and to explore new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation\u201d.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" ISLAMABAD(National Times)- Pakistan and Norway on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in defence and security. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, called on Chief of Defence Forces and the Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, with the two […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":131172,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-131171","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest_news","entry"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/a>Delegation-level talks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Dar, Eide discuss bilateral ties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n