Pakistan and Norway Forge Stronger Bilateral Cooperation

Islamabad: Pakistan and Norway have agreed to enhance cooperation in several critical areas, including counterterrorism, prevention of illegal immigration, police training, and mutual legal assistance. This development was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s effective measures that have led to a 47% reduction in illegal immigration to Europe. He emphasized that Pakistan has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal immigration, a move that has been appreciated by the European Union. Naqvi further stressed the importance of promoting legal immigration as a strategy to effectively curb illegal migration.

The discussions also touched on the situation in Afghanistan and the activities of proscribed organizations operating from Afghan soil. Naqvi pointed out that Afghan territory continues to be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan and underscored Pakistan’s role as a barrier against global terrorism. He called for collective efforts to completely eliminate the threat of terrorism.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive and active role in helping to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran, further strengthening the bond between Pakistan and Norway.