ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Norway have committed to enhancing their bilateral relations across various sectors, following a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. The discussions, which took place in Islamabad, emphasized the need for stronger trade, investment, and cooperation in areas such as education, defense, climate change, information technology, and maritime affairs.

According to Radio Pakistan, both countries acknowledged that current trade levels fall short of their economic potential. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted the significant investment opportunities Pakistan offers to Norwegian firms, citing the joint venture between Norway’s Yara International and Pakistan’s Fauji Fertilizer Company as an example of promising collaboration.

The meeting also underscored the importance of technology partnerships, noting a five-fold increase in Pakistan’s IT exports to Norway. Expedited finalization of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) was agreed upon to facilitate further cooperation.

Maritime collaboration was also discussed, with Pakistan expressing gratitude for Norway’s support in capacity building and technical training for its shipbreaking industry. Both nations agreed to enhance people-to-people contacts and explore legal pathways for labor mobility.

The discussions also covered multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of disputes, with Deputy Prime Minister Dar briefing the Norwegian Foreign Minister on regional issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He criticized India’s unilateral actions concerning the Indus Waters Treaty, urging adherence to international law.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide praised Pakistan’s constructive role in the recent Iran-US conflict, acknowledging the efforts of Pakistani leadership as significant contributions to global peace.