Pakistan and Norway on Thursday expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation at international fora, including the United Nations, and agreed to continue supporting each other at international forums, Foreign Office said. According to Spokesperson Foreign Office, Dr Mohammad Faisal, the understanding was reached during the 10th Round of Pakistan-Norway Bilateral Political Consultation, which was held here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Additional Secretary, Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zaheer A Janjua and Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith, Director General (Regional Affairs) of the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led their respective delegations. The spokesperson said that the two sides took stock of the whole range of bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade, investment, education, and cultural fields.
He said that the Norwegian side was briefed on the progress made by Pakistan in strengthening democracy, emerging economy, trade and investment and future prospects of growth. He further said that the Norwegian companies were 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 two sides exchanged views on important global and regional issues of mutual interest, he said, adding that 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.
He said that Pakistani 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 emphasised that a politically negotiated settlement, led and owned by the Afghans, was the only viable way forward," he said, adding that the Norwegian side appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in the Afghan peace process.
Dr Faisal said that the Norwegian side was briefed on the situation in the Nordic region and relations with its neighbours. The Norwegian side appreciated Pakistan's overtures of peace aimed at normalising 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," he said. He further said that the next round of Pakistan-Norway Bilateral Political Consultations would be held in Oslo at mutually agreed dates.