Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on Thursday, with the two sides discussing bilateral relations, regional developments and global issues.

The meeting reviewed all aspects of Pakistan-Norway relations, while the two leaders agreed to further strengthen ties between the two countries.

Dar said Norway had remained in contact with Pakistan during the Iran-US tensions, stressing Islamabad’s commitment to further strengthening relations with Oslo.

He said Pakistan and Norway shared a 78-year partnership and expressed Pakistan’s desire to further deepen its close and strong ties with Norway.

Eide highlighted the presence of a large Pakistani community in Norway and said Norwegian companies were contributing to Pakistan’s development.

He praised Pakistan’s role in promoting regional and global peace, saying tensions between the United States and Iran were harmful to international peace and the global economy.

The Norwegian foreign minister also commended Pakistan’s leadership for what he described as its courageous role during a difficult period.

Eide praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying Pakistan had gained international recognition for its peace efforts.

Norwegian FM arrives in Pakistan

Earlier, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide arrived in Pakistan on an official visit, the Foreign Office said on Thursday.

The Norwegian foreign minister was received by the additional foreign secretary upon arrival.

The visit marks the first trip to Pakistan by a Norwegian foreign minister in a decade, the Foreign Office said.

Norwegian Minister Espen Barth Eide later visited the Foreign Office to hold talks with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.