Norwegian FM Visits Pakistan After 10 Years, Praises Mediation Role in US-Iran ConflictNorwegian FM Visits Pakistan After 10 Years, Praises Mediation Role in US-Iran Conflict
ISLAMABAD:Norwegian Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, has come to Islamabad for an official visit today for the first time in 10 years by a Norwegian foreign minister.
He was welcomed warmly when he reached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Deputy Prime Minister and also Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar. The two leaders met at a high-level, one-on-one meeting and then at a delegation-level meeting.
The Pakistani High Commissioner to Norway, Ishaq Dar, who met his Norwegian counterpart, underscored Pakistan’s eagerness to take this partnership forward and reach out further with Norway on the back of an already strong and longstanding 78-year partnership.
In the co-ordinated talks, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide commended PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their courageous and pivotal role as the mediators to de-escalate tensions between the US and Iran. Eide said that the country’s foreign diplomacy has been outstanding during a crucial period when the region is facing a serious threat from the continuation of the conflict from which it cannot survive in terms of peace and world economy.
Eide also spoke of the robust economic and social relationship, pointing to the presence of Norwegian companies which are successfully operating and investing in Pakistan’s development and a vibrant and sizeable Pakistani community which continues to contribute to Norwegian society.