Islamabad: Pakistan and Norway have reiterated that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries. The reiteration came in a Joint Communiqu© issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the visit of Foreign Minister of Norway Espen Barth Eide to Pakistan. Both sides expressed serious concern over the presence of terrorist entities in Afghanistan. They reaffirmed the importance of combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Norwegian side acknowledged the serious security threats faced by Pakistan and encouraged efforts aimed at reducing tensions, addressing security concerns, and upholding international law. Both sides also expressed concern about the deteriorating situation of human rights in Afghanistan, particularly regarding the rights of women and girls, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including access to education and freedom of expression.
On the economic front, discussions were held to broaden trade and investment ties, focusing on port connectivity and shipping links between the two countries. Pakistan's growing IT exports to Norway and participation in events like Oslo Innovation Week were highlighted. Both countries expressed interest in developing trading relations and continuing cooperation under the Joint Declaration of Cooperation between Pakistan and EFTA. They agreed on the importance of the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core and emphasized the need for WTO reform through a member-driven process.
The two countries also acknowledged Pakistan's expertise in ship recycling and noted ongoing work under the SENSREC-DW Pakistan project. They recently concluded a Memorandum of Understanding on the Recognition of Training and Certification of Seafarers for service aboard Norwegian-flagged vessels.
In education, the value of programs such as the Norwegian Partnership Programme for Global Academic Cooperation (Norpart) and Norway's scholarship scheme for students from developing countries was noted, given the number of Pakistani students at Norwegian universities. Both sides commended the support extended at international platforms, including the United Nations, and agreed to advance cooperation on each other's candidatures to various international bodies.
The discussions also covered regional and international issues. The Pakistani side briefed on Jammu and Kashmir, while the Norwegian side discussed Russia's war against Ukraine, with both parties expressing support for peaceful conflict resolution. Pakistan's mediation efforts in the Iran-US conflict were lauded by the Norwegian side, which reaffirmed support for Pakistan's ongoing efforts toward regional stability.
Both sides discussed the situation in Palestine, welcoming international efforts to end the war in Gaza. They emphasized the necessity of adhering to ceasefire commitments, allowing access to humanitarian assistance, and working towards sustainable peace based on a two-state solution in line with international law and UN resolutions. Furthermore, they underscored a shared resolve to strengthen multilateralism, uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter, and promote peace, prosperity, sustainable development, and human rights.