ISLAMABAD(National Times)- Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, where the two sides discussed counterterrorism cooperation, particularly the use of Afghan soil in terror attacks against Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eide arrived in Pakistan a day earlier on a two-day visit \u2014 the first by a Norwegian foreign minister in a decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to a handout issued by the interior ministry, the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations and the regional situation. Naqvi and Eide also agreed to improve cooperation in counterterrorism, prevention of illegal immigration, police training, and mutual legal assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two sides held discussions on the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan and the activities of proscribed organisations operating from the neighbouring country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the meeting, Eide lauded Pakistan\u2019s \u201cconstructive and active\u201d role in the US-Iran war. The two sides also discussed measures taken against illegal immigration to Europe from Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPakistan\u2019s effective measures have led to a 47 per cent reduction in illegal immigration to Europe,\u201d the statement quoted Naqvi as saying, adding that \u201ca zero-tolerance policy has been adopted against illegal immigration\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said that Pakistan\u2019s measures against illegal immigration were also appreciated by the European Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPromoting legal immigration is very important for effectively curbing illegal immigration,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the statement, Naqvi told Eide that \u201cAfghan soil is continuously being used for terrorism in Pakistan\u201d and that Pakistan stood \u201cas a wall\u201d between the world and terrorist elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEveryone must work together for the complete eradication of terrorism.\u201d Naqvi was quoted as saying. He also told Eide that his visit would be an \u201cimportant milestone\u201d in strengthening bilateral relations between Norway and Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the meeting, Eide appreciated the \u201cactive role\u201d of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway and their contributions in sectors ranging from politics to health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister of State Talal Chaudhry and other senior officials were present at the meeting as well, the statement added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n