Pakistan, Norway discuss counterterrorism and regional security

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide held talks on Friday and reviewed bilateral relations, regional security and cooperation against terrorism.

The meeting focused particularly on security concerns linked to Afghanistan. Naqvi told the Norwegian minister that militant groups were continuing to use Afghan territory for attacks inside Pakistan.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism and other security-related areas. They also discussed preventing illegal immigration, police training and mutual legal assistance.

The Afghan situation was another key issue during the meeting. Pakistani officials briefed the Norwegian side about activities of banned organisations operating from Afghan territory and their alleged involvement in terrorism in Pakistan.

Naqvi stressed the need for coordinated international efforts to eliminate terrorism. He said Pakistan was playing an important role in preventing terrorist threats from spreading beyond the region.

Eide praised Pakistan’s role in the ongoing US-Iran conflict and described its approach as constructive and active.

Illegal migration to Europe was also discussed. Naqvi said Pakistan had introduced strict measures against illegal migration and that these efforts had resulted in a 47 per cent decline in illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe.

He said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal migration. He added that encouraging legal migration was essential to address the issue effectively.

According to Pakistani officials, the European Union had also recognised Islamabad’s measures against illegal migration.

The two ministers also discussed broader steps to improve relations between Pakistan and Norway. Eide appreciated the contribution of the Pakistani community in Norway, particularly its role in politics, healthcare and other sectors.

Naqvi described Eide’s visit as an important opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation between the two countries.

Eide is on a two-day visit to Pakistan. His trip is the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in around a decade.

During his engagements on Thursday, Eide met senior Pakistani civilian and military officials. Discussions covered trade, investment, technology, climate resilience, maritime cooperation, skilled labour and security.

Both sides also exchanged views on developments in the region and explored areas where Pakistan and Norway can further expand cooperation.