Norway commends Pakistan’s ‘constructive role’ in Iran-US conflict

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has commended Pakistan’s “important and constructive role” during the recent Iran-US conflict, including the contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

The remarks came during delegation-level talks between Dar and Eide at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Thursday.

During their meeting, the two foreign ministers discussed the entire range of bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments, reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

According to the Foreign Office, the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-Norway bilateral relations, with discussions covering trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education.

They expressed satisfaction with the “warm and cordial” state of bilateral ties and agreed to further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The two sides also held detailed discussions on regional and international developments, the Foreign Office said.

Eide particularly appreciated Pakistan’s role during the recent Iran-US conflict and acknowledged the leadership and contributions of the Pakistani prime minister, foreign minister and army chief, according to the statement.

The officials also recognized the important role of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway and agreed to strengthen people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

Eide arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day on an official visit, becoming the highest-level Norwegian official to visit Pakistan in a decade.

He was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary for Europe Ayesha Ali and later by Dar at the Foreign Office.