Pakistan, Norway discuss global, regional issues

ISLAMABAD: The 10th round of Bilateral Political Consultation between Pakistan and Norway was held here on Thursday and exchanged views on important global and regional issues of mutual interest.

Additional Secretary (Europe) Zaheer A. Janjua and Ambassador Tine Morch Smith, Director General (Regional Affairs) of the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs led their respective delegations, a Foreign Office press release issued here said.

Both sides took stock of the whole range of bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade, investment, education and cultural fields.

The Norwegian side was briefed on the progress made by Pakistan in strengthening democracy, emerging economy, trade and investment and future prospects of growth.

Norwegian companies were also invited to invest and benefit from Pakistan’s investor friendly policies, particularly in clean and green energy, agriculture, fisheries, oil and gas and water and waste management sectors.

The Norwegian side was briefed on the Indian aggression and Pakistan’s measured response, as well as steps taken to de-escalate tensions, including release of the captured Indian pilot, opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, return of the High Commissioner to New Delhi and restoration of hotline between Military Operations Directorate.

The Pakistan side urged the international community to take cognizance of the situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the atrocities perpetrated by the Indian security forces against the Kashmiris The Norwegian side was also briefed on Pakistan’s efforts aimed at bringing peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

It was emphasized that a politically negotiated settlement, led and owned by the Afghans, was the only viable way forward.

The Norwegian side appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in the Afghan peace process and they briefed about the situation in the Nordic region and relations with its neighbours, and appreciated Pakistan’s overtures of peace aimed at normalizing the situation with India.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation at the international fora, including at the UN, and agreed to continue supporting each other.

The next round of Pakistan-Norway Bilateral Political Consultations would be held in Oslo at mutually agreed dates.