Norway praises Pakistan’s role in US-Iran peace efforts

Norway has praised Pakistan for playing an important and constructive role in efforts to promote dialogue between the United States and Iran amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Norway has praised Pakistan for playing an important and constructive role in efforts to promote dialogue between the United States and Iran amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The appreciation came during Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide’s visit to Islamabad, where he held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

The Norwegian foreign minister arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a two-day visit, marking the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in around a decade.

During delegation-level discussions, Pakistan and Norway reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to expand cooperation in several areas, including trade, investment, climate change, renewable energy, maritime affairs and education.

The two sides also discussed regional and international developments, with particular attention to the situation in the Middle East.

Eide praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during the recent US-Iran conflict. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in efforts aimed at promoting peace.

The Norwegian foreign minister described the ongoing regional conflict as a serious threat to global peace and the international economy. He said Pakistan had taken an important step by engaging with the parties involved and facilitating dialogue.

Eide also welcomed Pakistan’s role in hosting and facilitating talks in Islamabad. He said the country’s diplomatic engagement had strengthened its position on the international stage, particularly in peacebuilding efforts.

Norway, he added, was prepared to support Pakistan wherever it could contribute to peace initiatives. He noted that Oslo had considerable experience in peace negotiations and maintained communication channels with both Tehran and Washington.

The two countries also discussed maritime security and developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Eide said Norway’s experience as a major maritime nation could allow it to contribute constructively to discussions on international maritime law and regional maritime issues.

Pakistan and Norway also agreed to strengthen economic and people-to-people ties.

Eide said Norwegian companies were increasingly exploring opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in the energy and fertiliser sectors. He also highlighted the potential for greater economic cooperation involving Switzerland and Iceland.

The Norwegian minister praised the Pakistani community in Norway, saying its integration into Norwegian society had played an important role in strengthening relations between the two countries.

The Foreign Office said both sides expressed satisfaction with the friendly nature of Pakistan-Norway relations and agreed to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The visit is also expected to build on recent high-level contacts between the two countries, including discussions between Dar and Eide earlier this year and a visit by Norway’s state secretary to Islamabad in May.